USB Problems

I have a new Espon All in One Printer and a new 30 GB iPod. When I install
the printer software and get to the point where you plug in the USB cable,
the computer does not recognize the device. I have the lastest version of
iTunes installed on my computer but when I plug into the USB port the
computer doesn't recognize my iPod. I have a Dell Latitude D800 running
Windows XP Version 2002 with SP 2. This a very cut down version of all the
problems I had. The only conclusion I have come to is that I need to
reinstall the OS. Short of that does anyone have any suggestions? And if I
do have to reinstall the OS can some one tell me how to do it in the least
painful way? Any help would be appreciated.

Traci