uninstall, reinstall iTunes, scan drive (iPod is connected to) to fix/restore damages...and lo and behold, i can sync my iPod to iTunes and add/delete songs. however, when i run diagnostics, it still says that there is no iPod attached... very strange.

still, i don't recommend anyone downloaded an updated version of iTunes (9.1.1) because when i did, all the problems syncing began...there are message boards regarding all the problems iTunes 9.1.1 is causing folks everywhere.

unfortunately, it is now 3pm and i have only 3 hours to sleep before getting ready to go to work... :-(

shit.