I presume you've tried connecting it to the USB port with the side on/off switch in both positions? It'll only charge from the USB in the 'on' position, but - I think - should be recognised by your computer in either position.
I have one of these players, and it's temperamental to say the least! I've had to re-load the Firmware at least three times when it started behaving unreliably. However, if your player isn't even recognised by your computer, then you can't even do this...
At one stage my player was like this too. After I let the battery fully discharge whilst using it, plugging it into the USB port would send the computer into a series of connecting/disconnecting cycles, and I couldn't get anywhere with it. I persevered, tho', getting it to charge for a few seconds at a time, and trying a Firmware re-load when it stabilised. To be honest, I had to come back to it repeatedly over a few days, and then it suddenly decided to let me proceed! It then began to work ok, although I'd have to press the 'on' button on he front repeatedly before it would come on!
Clearly these players have some personality 'issues'! If you cannot get it to behave after a few days, return it...
Scoodle.
October 2007