my iPod wont shut off. I leave it on it's charging dock (connected to the wall) pretty much 24/7 except for when i remove to move it to the computer to sync.
I know this is obvious and I am not trying to insult you, but be sure the Hold button is not on as that will, as you probably know, disables the buttons on the iPod. If the Hold button is not on, try resetting the iPod by holding down Menu and the Center button for a few seconds.
its weird, every thing still functions properly, playback, skip, sound control, everything is fine, it just will not shut down even if i leave it sit for 30 min, really bizarre.
I had this problem with my first iPod. It was a 3G iPod. I thought it was broken, and took it back to the store and got a new one...
You just need to reset the iPod. First press the middle button for about 1 second, then without releasing the the middle button press the menu button for about 5 seconds, this should reset the iPod.