Please help an ipod touch newbie - what do I do with it now - its plugged in my pc's usb and shows itunes and?

1)

You will have to install iTunes.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Install it and then open iTunes.

Plug in the ipod.

it could be because you are either having a driver conflict error as detailed in the apple help page:-

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538 for driver errors and http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1369 for USB power issues

or more likely its a USB power issue. if its a Acer, Asus,Compaq, Dell or Packard Bell or LAPTOP then is 99% likley due to it having low spec 100mA usb ports instead of full spec 500mA ones.. Make sure you have a full power USB connection (many laptops and keyboard connectors only give 100mA max rather than the full 500mA, also do not connect via an unpowered hub either as this only PARTLY charges the ipod

connect it direct to the computer on a full power USB port or via a powered hub (mains transformer connected to it) and it should be OK.

Leave it charging on this for at least an hour before proceeding further.

make sure you have the latest itunes 8.2.0 or 9.0 (downloaded on your PC from www.apple.com/itunes/download then restart PC first)

and reset the ipod before connection (menu and centre key till screen blanks then connect once it lights up).

the say YES to the 'pair with this computer' Message

if after doing the USB power check you still have problems you need to call apple for a swap for replacement... as batteries can be killed by improper usage apple has a page at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1726 that tells you how to get the most from your battery

confident it has a USB port like countless different one. once you first turn it on you will desire to plug it in to sign up and placed songs on it. you would be waiting to place those one hundred and five songs on the ipod touch out of your library. wish it helped and stable success! =]