most likely the usb device has viruses,try formatting it on another pc and then plug into your comp.
How are you plugging your ipod in, is it the computer's USB ports
or into a USB hub? If using a USB hub, use one that has its own power supply.
is your anti virus set to block any incoming connections to your comp, you should check this too.
also i tried a device ive never used before and it also froze my laptop. However, in the services section I noticed that Universal Plug and Play Device Host is not started.you should start this service and try plugging into the USB port again?
if all else fails then update your drivers from microsoft.
hope this helps you.