6th Gen Nano won't connect to computer or itunes -- tried everything

[goblinbug]

I've been scouring Apple Support and numerous other help sites for the last few hours trying to find help for this, but nothing seems to be working.

I just received a 6th Gen Nano from a friend that is in great condition, but it won't charge or connect to my computer. I've tried 2 different computers now, both PCs, and the ipod is a PC as well. It's not the cord -- I tried uninstalling the USB driver and restarting the computer, and the computer recognised the cable, but not the ipod. I tried restarting the ipod, put it into disk mode, nothing.

The only suggestion I haven't tried is letting the battery drain and then trying, but I'd like to try something else while I wait for it to die. Any help is appreciated!

If it helps: PC, Windows 7, fully updated iTunes and Windows

Edit: when I plug the USB cable in, the ipod will light up if it's asleep or turn on if it's off, but it won't charge or actually connect.

[cjmnews]

Are plugging into a USB port on the computer directly? A Hub generally will not work, nor will pass through ports like your monitor or keyboard has.

Is the USB port a high power port? If you have a tower try the ones in the back. You may also need to modify the power settings for your USB ports to turn off power saving in Device Manager.

Is it a genuine Apple cable? Have you tried a different cable? Or a different iPod on the same cable?

Have you looked at all the steps that Apple provides? iPod not recognized in 'My Computer' and in iTunes for Windows