(also entitled why i can't get anything accomplished at work because my boss seems to think that tech support for his new ipod mini is in my job description) itunes isn't acknowledging the ipod when it's plugged into the computer (the little ipod eject button doesn't come onto the bottom of the screen, and the mini doesn't appear in the sidebar) should we re-install the software?
I don't think you need to reinstall it. Do you have the iPod mini instruction booklet handy? If so, look for directions on how to reset the iPod. This has happened to me plenty of times, and if I just reset it, it recognizes it and it's fine. Let me know if that does/doesn't work.