I downloading the restoring utility...my ipod WONT RESPOND AT ALL

I'm in exactly the same situation. Found a download on apple's site for a shuffle restore, but it only works on xp. WTH?? I've also been searching the web for 2 days and have found no real solution to this problem, other than sending it in to apple.

you have to use ipod reset utility.you can download it here..

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1238

install it and just follow on screen instruction. after the process is completed, sync your shuffle to itunes.
after that your ipod shuffle would work as normal.
my concern is, dont ever try formatting again using format utility of windows, you might get the shuffle corrupted permanently.

If your getting the 1442 error code wile trying to restore your iPod than you may need to reinstall iTunes. Make sure that you update your iTunes to the most current version. The following URL will bring you to Apples iPod shuffle trouble shooting assistant. This site will provide you with a more descriptive trouble shooting process.

http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/shuffle3gen/#

If your using the 1st or 2nd generation of the shuffle you can try the iPod reset utility located at the following web address.

http://support.apple.com/downloads/iPod_Reset_Utility_1_0_4_for_Windows

I hope that information above has helped is some way.
If possible please rate this solution.

Try downloading and using this utility to restore your iPod shuffle.
Good Luck,
I hope it helps.
NOTE: This will not work with Windows Vista

iPod Reset Utility 1.0.4 for Windows

You are supposed to transfer songs usin itunes....simple drag and drop doesnt work.... You can download itunes from www.apple.com\itunes
If you are already using itunes,perform a restore on the ipod using itunes...you will find restore option under the summary tab in itunes.

1. The iPod reset utility will reset your iPod shuffle back to it's factory settings. It works for the following shuffles: iPod shuffle (1st Generation) - iPod Software version 1.1.5, iPod shuffle (2nd Generation) - iPod Software version 1.0.3
   The reset utility will fix the following issues.
   1. The iPod won't play music and can't be restored using iTunes
   2. iTunes won't see the iPod but you can see it under "My Computer" in windows or under Apple System Profiler on a Mac.
   3. iPod shuffle (1st Generation) is identified as a device in "Recovery mode." iPod shuffle (2nd Generation) is identified as a "USB DFU device."
2. You have to have administrator privileges to run the restore software and it will wipe out all the information on the iPod (including all your music) and install factory software back onto it.
   System requirements are Mac OS X 10.3.9, or later, Win2k with sp4, Win XP, this won't work on Vista.
   Download the file for the program here:
   MAC
   http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/ipodresetutility102formac.html
   Windows
   http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/ipodresetutility102forwindows.html
   
3. Install the software onto your computer, plug your iPod into the USB port and run the reset program, it will ask for your permission to reset the iPod, answer yes and the process will proceed. After finishing the reset procedure then use iTunes or whatever software is used to access your iPod and load your music. Enjoy your toy!
   

If your getting the 1442 error code wile trying to restore your iPod than you may need to reinstall iTunes. Make sure that you update your iTunes to the most current version. The following URL will bring you to Apples iPod shuffle trouble shooting assistant. This site will provide you with a more descriptive trouble shooting process.

http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/shuffle3gen/#

If your using the 1st or 2nd generation of the shuffle you can try the iPod reset utility located at the following web address.

http://support.apple.com/downloads/iPod_Reset_Utility_1_0_4_for_Windows

I hope that information above has helped is some way.
If possible please rate this solution.

I found a way to solve this, you have to google for a program called ipod reset utility or, you can search here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1238



Either way, install, follow the instrucions and you can probably save your ipod (note; I saved my ipod on a mac. Haven't tested transfering songs from my PC an this moment)

1. Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
   
2. Press and hold the Play/Pause and Menu buttons simultaneously until the Apple/iPod logo appears, about 6 to 8 seconds. You may need to repeat this step.
   
3. When you reset iPod all your music and files are saved, but some customized settings may be lost. Date and time is preserved (unless the iPod reset itself because it had no power and then was reconnected to power). Other customized settings, such as Bookmarks, On-The-Go Playlists, Shuffle, Backlight timer, and so forth are preserved from the last time

The iPod nano and iPod shuffle are both small--3.5 inches tall, 1.6 inches wide, and 0.27 inches thick for the iPod nano and 3.3 inches tall, 0.98 inches wide, and 0.33 inches thick for the iPod shuffle. The iPod nano and iPod shuffle both use solid state Flash Memory--2.0 GB or 4.0 GB for the iPod nano and 512 MB or 1.0 GB for the iPod shuffle. However, the similarities end with the dimensions and type of internal storage, as the iPod nano is designed as a tiny but "full featured" MP3 player, with more in common with the iPod "Color" models, with a few notable exceptions, and the iPod shuffle, on the other hand, was designed as a simple low cost MP3 player that lacks a display and can only play music and transport files.