iPod video 5G won't charge w/ USB cable - and other weird things!

[dougmcarthur0]

Yo - if anyone has a clue about this I'll be really happy, or even if anyone has had the same problems as me that would be comforting too. Here's what happened ...

I bought my iPod from eBay (probably not the best idea, I know) and when I got it, the damned thing wouldn't charge using the supplied USB cable ... I left it unplugged for 24 hours to let the battery drain, tried it again, nothing, and then I left it plugged in to charge for 24 hours, nothing. The only way I can get it to charge is using a dock that plugs into the wall. The USB cable actually drains battery power from the iPod, even though the battery icon on the screen indicates it is charging.

Then, when I plug my iPod into my car charger, the songs start skipping, and sometimes at the end of a song, it will take *forever* to get to the next song .. long, long silence in between songs. Very strange behaviour!

My dad has the exact same 30GB iPod video that I have and his works fine, everything operates as expected. Did I just buy a bum unit? Is there any way to fix my problem?

If you're thinking of suggesting that I read the iPod FAQ on Apple's site, I've tried that ... I've scoured websites and forums looking for someone with the same problems but to no avail. I'm at the end of my rope here, I can use my iPod as is but it's really a pain in the ### to have to charge it using the dock instead of by USB2.0. I've seen people with that same problem before but never the problem with the car charger.

In short ... help me please! Here's my specs:

Windows XP SP2 build 2600
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ w. 1GB RAM
30GB iPod video 5G black - software vers. 1.2.1

[kornchild2002]

Hello and welcome to iLounge.

You should try restoring your iPod using the latest version of iTunes. Restoring your iPod will erase everything on it setting it back to factory standards. If that doesn't work, then I am afraid you purchased a dud and you should get your money back right away.

That is why eBay is never the best place to purchase iPods. Most of the time, even though the seller states that they are new, they are probably refurbished. On top of that, you can never really know if the person selling the iPod has opened it or not or if it has a 3rd party battery. There are just too many factors to consider.

Restore your iPod. If that doesn't work, then contact eBay/PayPal and get a full refund.

[paranoidxe]

eBay is a known bad site to order iPods dude, its very possible yours is a dud.

Also, is your car charger a BRANDNAME? or is it some generic type? I think its very dangerous to use chargers designed for multiple items or generic brands especially when it comes to the iPod. There was a thread not too long ago when someone blew out their iPod by using one of those chargers that you are able to switch tips to charge different devices.

[L33tG4m3r]

Yeah. Don't buy expensive electronics off Ebay. It's fine for accessories and sporting goods, but electronics are a no-no with Ebay. You could try taking it to an Apple Authorized Retailer to get them to diagnose it and service it. If you don't want to pay an extra service charge (because Apple is going to charge you for the repairs if you bought it from a non-Apple Authorized Retailer and/or its not covered by warranty), you could TRY to return it, although I doubt that the seller will refund you.

If none of the above works for you, you've learned a valuable lesson. It may cost more, but if you buy from an Apple Authorized Retailer store, such as Best Buy, Future Shop, Circuit City, etc., theres going to be less chance that its screwed up.

[jinjok]

yeah - ebay...

i always buy my electronics new and from jrworld.

anyone who gets my used electronics and watches im bored with is really lucky becasue i really take care.

but ebay - never...sorry dude