After I install iTunes and transferred songs off a CD the manuel says to just plug the iPod into my laptop via the USB port and they will transfer automatically. So I plug it in and leave it in their for like 15 minutes and nothing happens. I even try to open iTunes and do it manually. My laptop doesn't even recognize that new hardware was installed. Can anyone help?

I could use the firewire port, but I have 4 pin and it needs a 6 pin which means I would have to buy an adapter which I would like to avoid...

Do you have the double-wire USB 2.0 cable? It doesn't come with the ipod and is a separate purchase.

Link here

[Edit by Angela: Just wanted to make the link smaller so it didn't stretch the forum out, making it kind of hard to read.]

You don't need the double-wire USB cable, whatever USB cable came with your iPod should be fine. Did you charge your iPod first? I know Macs will charge iPods over Firewire (and USB 2.0 on newer iPods), but I don't think PCs can charge them on their own. You'd need to plug your iPod into the AC adapter and let it charge for a couple hours.
Did you install the iPod software first? I know Windows is picky if you try to plug something in without installing the software first. If these things don't help, try calling Apple's tech support (if you're within the 30 or 90 days they give you), or checking their Support Discussions. I'm sure you'll find plenty of posts from people with Windows connectivity issues.
http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx? ... @.3bb85fdc

Thanks fellas.