iPod busted?

I own the current generation 30GB video iPod. Shortly after purchasing it back in September, I dropped it while running, and didn't realize it fell until I had stepped right on it. Fortunately, the iPod was in a folio type leather case so at the time there were no detectable problems. Although, when you look at my iPod on its side, you can tell that it has been bent a little from the stomping, this has caused to the metal to protrude a tiny bit, nothing major though.

Ever since then, I have been extra careful with my iPod and to my knowledge this has been the only time my iPod has ever been dropped.

But now, starting two days ago, if I go to play a song and then hit the menu button to look through my iPod or go turn on sleep mode, the backlight will turn off, the song will stop playing and I cannot control the iPod, unless I hit the center button. If I hold my iPod up to the light, I can see the screen there, but I can't do anything until I hit the center button. Sometimes this will happen without me touching anything, but if I keep trying to play a song, hitting the center button and play until it starts up again, I can listen to my music, but as soon as I hit the menu button the blacklight goes off and the iPod freezes up until I hit the center button.

Can anyone help me with this problem? I have no "protection plan" or whatever it's called, so do I have to buy another iPod? Sorry if this was a little long, but I'd really appreciate any help.

 

I know, it sounds pretty bad >.< when I talk about it. But I've never had any problems until now. I bought it in September and I live in the US and ordered it over the Apple site. So it would still be under the one year warranty, but does that cover damage made by the user?

 

Thanks for the advice