If you have a new iPod that has never been connected to a computer before, it won't be recognized properly when you connect it to a Linux computer. This is because iPods need to be set up and updated using the iTunes software, which only runs on Windows and Mac OS X.

To set-up your iPod, install iTunes on a Windows or Mac computer and plug it in. You will be led through a few steps to set it up. When asked for the Volume Format, choose MS-DOS (FAT), Windows or similar. The other format does not work as well with Linux.

Once you have finished setup, the iPod should work normally when you plug it into a Linux computer.