Definite XP Problem with iTunes and 2.1(?)

[blipblop]

I just bought an iPod two days ago, a 30GB 3rd Gen, and I can't say that I've been too impressed with Apple's Windows preparation. I'm using XP on an IBM Thinkpad T22 and a Belkin Firewire PCMCIA card. Here's what I did, and what I've found out.

1. Take iPod out of the box and Download iTunes. Install iTunes.
2. Pluged in iPod, via Firewire, to the laptop.
3. Run iTunes - iTunes says my iPod is unreadable and requires formatting with the 2.1 updater. I do that. iPod formats and upon reboot, I check to see that the software has also been updated on the iPod to 2.1
4. iTunes recognizes the iPod and I copy songs. I eject iPod.

NOW.......

5. I go to reconnect the iPod, via Firewire.
6. iTunes AGAIN SAYS THE IPOD IS UNREADABLE AND REQUIRES FORMATTING - JUST LIKE at point #3 above. THE FUNNY THING IS THAT SONGS ARE ON THE IPOD, AS ITUNES SAYS THIS!
6. I disconnect ipod and check to see if songs from prior transfer exist. YES THEY DO!
7. So, what I do is reformat anyway. AND THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENS!


What the hell is going on, here? This seems to be a software issue - because intermittenly, iTunes WILL recognize the iPod. I then transfer songs, only to have the same unreadability issue once again.

Nice job, Apple. What do I do? Call up Apple? What's their support number? I can't find it. Thanks for reading. I'm quite exasperated with this device.

[Soldats]

Click HERE (http://www.apple.com/contact/) for apples support phone numbers and all the other ways to contact them

[Darrell]

I'm practically using the same platform, but I never encountered any problems since day one. However, what I did different was that even tho I had Iyunes already installed, I didn't run it prior to installing 2.1
Just dunno if that mekes a difference.