Call for tech support

I have two problems I thought all you brilliant friends out there might be able to help me with:

First, my iPod — which is only about six months old — won't hold a charge. I'll plug it in for hours before it's done charging, then when I go to use it it won't turn on. Is there anything to be done before I either throw it across the room or take it in to a store miles and miles away?

Second, every time I try to log into MSN instant messenger, it tells me I need to update to the newest version. I've done it twice already, but it's getting old. I've opted just to stop using it altogether. Any ideas?

Thanks.