:::please Help:::

Hello, new ipod user here. I just got the iPod touch [8gb] 2 days ago, after downloading itunes onto my comp I got started synching my music on to it. I was synching music from my limewire saves and from media player. Anyways, after synching some of it, I played around w/my ipod for about 20 mins (and LOVED it)...*keep in mind-at this time it was connected to itunes&my comp just fine and wasn't freezing or anything* Anyways, I went to add more music+pictures to it in itunes and my ipod screen turned to the default restore mode i guess (the itunes logo+usb pic) and, my comp&itunes doesn't even recognize it being plugged in (however the comp recognizes my bf's cheapo mp3player) The ipod doesn't even show up in the left side of itunes anymore.I've attempted over and over again to restore it and it won't work. Is it possible there could have been a virus or something transferred from the limewire music? Or is this a common problem and my ipod is "frozen"? I've tried pressing down both buttons for 20mins, making sure there isn't an error w/my usb port, uninstalling/reinstalling itunes, updating itunes,EVERYTHING!

::LEASE HELP::: I'm desperate