funny, i was just just starting to wonder if that could be a problem. still, a cord going bad is sure an odd problem. don't know if there's an apple store around by me, but at the very least a $10 cable would sure be easier on me than a new iPod. thanks a ton for the advice, i'll try it tomorrow and hopefully you're right. funny, a good friend of mine swears by the refurbished iPods, but my refurb one has just been a problem. amazing all of you guys who can fill up a huge iPod. i have a 4 Gig and still haven't maxed out on space yet. i'm kinda particular about which songs go in it, though, so i don't have to spend all my time hitting "next". Edit: i'll still try your suggestion, but my iPod had just been recharged, so shouldn't it at least turn on, even if the cable isn't any good?