I cannot restore my 5th generation 30 gig ipod

Check out the Apple Store coz they usually have stock for everything from accessories to players even for third party ones

you might have to reset it to factory settings

The 4th generation iPod is a portable media device that can play music, videos, and display photos.

Occasionally, you may run into issues with the iPod where the player has trouble working.

Restoring your iPod to its factory settings will often correct any software issues the player may have by wiping all of the data off of the iPod, and restoring its software to its original condition.

Restoring your 4th generation iPod can be done in just a few minutes, and requires the help of your computer.

Connect your iPod to your computer using the included USB cable, just as if you were going to sync it to add music or other data.

Launch iTunes if it does not launch automatically, and select your 4th generation iPod from the list of devices on the left side of the screen.

This will launch information about your iPod in the main iTunes window.

Click the "Restore" button in the middle of the iTunes window to begin restoring your 4th generation iPod to its factory settings.

Your computer may ask you to enter an administrative username and password to continue. A progress bar will then appear letting you know the status of the restore.

Wait for the progress bar on the screen to finish and then disconnect your 4th generation iPod.

The iPod is now restored to its factory settings.

You can reattach the iPod to your computer and set it up again, just as you did the first time you used it.

hope this helps

also you could try This works on iPod 5th gen
click start control panel scroll to folder options tick in the box to show hidden files and holders

connect your Ipod to your computer


click start click click on you Ipod to open

then go Ipod controls device there should be a folder saying locked

right click select rename to open or delete the folder your Ipod should now be open

http://www.ehow.com/how_4829673_apart-ipod-nano-th-generation.html
This link above shows you how,as do the ones below.
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-disassemble-5th-generation-apple-ipod-nano-284109/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPbnHGLi7Sw

Below is your user manual.
manuals.info.apple.com/.../iPod_nano_5th_gen_UserGuide.pdf - United States

I found this article on apples web site I thought it might be helpful

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3218

did you try and go back into itunes and restore it after the format. it may work

Formatting should not be nessary. Use itunes, and restore. If you want to use the ipod for extra storage etc, use itunes and "Enable Disc Usage". then it will appear in "My Computer" and you can acess the files and folders for file transfers.

i would NOT recommend restoring your Ipod,take it to a shop mate.

Do the 5 R's:

These are for Nano, but they apply to all iPods:

Reset, Retry, Restart, Reinstall, Restore

Remember these five basic suggestions if you have a problem with your iPod nano. If

one of the following doesn’t help, read on for solutions to specific problems.

â Reset your iPod nano. See “General Suggestions,” below.

â Retry with a different USB port if you cannot see iPod nano in iTunes.

â Restart your computer and make sure you have the latest software updates

installed.

â Reinstall iPod and iTunes software from the latest versions on the web.

â Restore your iPod nano. See “Updating and Restoring iPod Software” on page whatever.

Start with these five simple solutions: Reset, retry, restart, reinstall, or restore…
www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/

Try resetting the iPod, this usually works.

As follows:

How to reset iPod To reset an iPod with a Click Wheel, including:iPod nano (3rd generation) iPod classic iPod (5th generation) iPod nano (2nd generation)iPod nano iPod with color display (iPod photo) iPod (Click Wheel) iPod mini iPod mini (2nd generation)

Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)Press and hold the Menu and Center (Select) buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears, about 6 to 8 seconds.

You may need to repeat this step. Tip: If you are having difficulty resetting your iPod, set it on a flat surface. Make sure the finger pressing the Select button is not touching any part of the click wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Menu button toward the outside of the click wheel, and not near the center.

If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep.

To reset iPod, iPod (scroll wheel), iPod (touch wheel), and iPod (dock connector)Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)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.

If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep.

If you are still unable to reset your iPod, use only one finger from one hand to press the Center (Select) button, and one finger from the other hand to press the Menu button.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 hard drive turned on.