This tutorial is the newest and by far the "cleanest" way of getting ubuntu to recognize your iPod. All credit goes to boombox1387 from the Ubuntu Forums.
Step 1: Open up the "Run Application" window by typing Alt + F2 on your keyboard.
Step 2: Type in 'gconf-editor', without the quotes, and hit enter.
Step 3: On the left panel, navigate through the menu to apps > nautilus > preferences.
Step 4: On the right pane locate the name "media_automount" and un-check the box.
Step 5: Close out the gconf-editor window and plug in your iPod.
Step 6: Open what ever other application you are using to manage your iPod, and mount your iPod by going to the desktop and clicking on Places > "Name of your iPod".
All credit goes to boombox1387, a simply outstanding hack to get the job done. Thanks!
