iTunes on laptop doesn't see my iPod

[prymsnap]

Ya know, there's a reason one shouldn't embark on these kinds of missions late at night, in a hurry. Now in the light of day I suspect I've screwed things up pretty well.

The laptop is running 10.5.8. iTunes is 9.0.1. Software Update shows nothing newer for iTunes.

The iPod's firmware was updated a couple of weeks ago, but that was via a connection to the tower.

Thanks for the link to the support page, but unfortunately I can't get as far as the laptop asking if I want to sync.

Are there any prefs I should trash in order to get a fresh start with iTunes on the laptop?