Well to answer your first question I have a 5th generation 30GB classic. I did try toggling the hold button allong with the Menue & ctr buttons. The screen remained as it was (paused in mid song) I also tried charging via a USB port on my PC with the same results. A friend (with more patience than me) came over and looked on line @ Apple then found an alternate way to reset which did the trick. Thanks gor getting back to me though. Have a great day!