iPod connection problem

[tippie.tan]

The Situation:
Been having difficulty charging iPod Video (5th Gen) via electrical outlet and mac mini. Difficult to the point of iPod being connected overnight into a plug but did not up batt power. Also to the point of being connected to the mac mini with "Do Not Disconnect" screen flashing but iPod icon not appearing on the screen... possibly meaning mac mini couldn't detect the iPod...

The Final Draw:
I tried connecting the iPod today to the mini, and upon loading of iTunes, it asked me to restore the factory settings of my iPod. Which is NOT an option because that would mean losing 2 whole years of my life in one fell swoop. I have no back up (yet... i dunno how I'm gonna make one pa...) and I have no idea what to do next!

I have a feeling the problem is with my iPod cable. It's kind of banged up already and loose in the plugs. But I'm scared to connect my iPod to the mini again to confirm anything. I did not restore my factory settings, as asked by iTunes. I just forced quit the mini to disconnect my iPod. (Yes, my priority is my iPod.)

After disconnecting, I checked my iPod and it still has all my songs, vids, etc. and works fine. Turned on the mac also and iTunes is working fine, too.

Suggestions, anything, are welcome (except restore. There just has to be another way!). Please please please help me...

[doods888]

Sir first thing you should do is buy or borrow an ipod usb cable and try to again connect to a pc or mac just to rule out if its a cable problem po