My ipod touch won't work?

well, i have had this ipod for around 4 years now, and recently i have plugged it in to charge, and the apple logo comes up for about 30 seconds then the screen goes black. i have tried pressing the circular button and the power button at the same time and it simply comes up with 'connect to itunes' but my computer does not recognize it.. i go on holiday in a week, so it is heartbreaking it has happened so soon- someone PLEASE HELP!!