I think my iPod has died

I suspect the hard drive has gone blooey. When the iPod isn't connected to the computer, it keeps looping around, showing the apple icon, then the folder with an exclamation point icon, then repeat. Doing a soft reset doesn't help.

Back when iTunes was still seeing the iPod, I tried restoring three times, and the third time it looked like it worked. So I had the computer reinstall my music, but before it got more than a few songs in, the computer locked up.

Now when I try to sync the iPod to the iTunes, the computer gives an error message about an unrecognized USB device. Trying a different USB port doesn't help.

I'd been thinking about buying a new iPod, but this isn't the way I wanted it to happen.

So, two questions.

1. Does anyone have any additional suggestions for reviving the iPod? It dates from 2003 or so, so it's not worth paying for repair, but if I can get it going again, I could at least give it away instead of tossing it.

2. Since I gather all the new iPods have video, does anyone have recommendations for what I should use to protect the video screen? Are there tough plastic covers like the one that came with my Treo, or is the surface sufficiently scratchproof that I don't have to worry? Are there any other accessories people recommend? (If the old accessories work with the new iPod, I don't need a car charger or radio player.)

And a bonus question:

3. However am I going to survive my exercise stints the next three days until the new iPod arrives?