I have mad hardware hacker skillz.

[elfs]

I fixed my iPod! Who-hoo! There was even a part left out, a small rubber bumper that probably protects the hard drive from bouncing against the bottom of the unit (either that, or it secures the USB connector), but the whole thing is intact and I have sound again! I can hear music. The ribbon cable for the battery gave me a scare, but it turned out to be nothing. Works fine.

Damn, I now have no excuse for not going to the gym anymore.