Identfying i have a laptop with window vista ihav download itunes and ipod for vista, but i still having the problem where the ipod is not being reconized when i plug it in.

• Check system requirements. - iPod nano (5th generation) requires the following minimum versions of Windows: either Windows XP (Service Pack 3 or later), Vista or Windows 7. If you have one of these versions of Windows, verify that Windows is fully up to date by downloading and installing software updates from Microsoft. If you have Windows XP with Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Windows XP Service Pack 2, download and install Service Pack 3 using Windows Update.
  
  
• iTunes online? - Confirm that iTunes has been downloaded and installed.
  
  
• AMDS online? - iPod nano requires Apple Mobile Device Support (AMDS), which should be automatically installed with iTunes. To verify whether it is installed, click Start > Control Panel. Open the Add or Remove Programs control panel and verify that Apple Mobile Device Support is visible in the list of currently installed programs. If it is not, remove and reinstall iTunes.
  
  
• Check USB connection. - Disconnect all USB devices from the system with the exception of the iPod nano and any USB keyboard and mouse. Then restart your computer. Verify that you are using a high-powered USB 2.0 port. Test with an alternate iPod USB cable if one is available.
  
  
• AMDS - Re-verify that AMDS is running and installed.
  
  
• iTunes usage - Remove and reinstall iTunes.

1. Go to apple.com/iTunes
2. This link will help you instal the latest versuion oof itunes.

Apple recommends that iTunes customers using Windows Vista upgrade to iTunes 7.2 or later. If you are using an iPod with iTunes on Windows Vista, please review the important information in Knowledge Base document

Ejecting iPod using Windows Explorer on Windows Vista may corrupt iPod

Some customers may see the following message when connecting an iPod to iTunes 7.2 or later on a computer running Windows Vista.

Microsoft has released an update for Windows Vista that addresses a situation where ejecting iPod from Windows Explorer or by using the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature in Windows Vista could corrupt your iPod. Apple recommends Windows Vista customers who own an iPod install this software update. For information on how to install this Microsoft hot fix, refer to the "Update your software" section below. Tip: iPod can always be ejected safely by choosing Eject iPod from the Controls menu within iTunes.

Microsoft has made this Update for Windows Vista (KB936824) available via Windows Update as well as a separate download package. To download this update via Windows Update follow the steps below:

1. From the Start menu, choose Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, select Check for updates in the Security section. If the Control Panel is in Classic view, open Windows Update.
3. Click the View available updates link and be sure that Update for Windows Vista (KB936824) is checked.
4. Click Install.