30GB iPod Photo: ipodpatcher "I/O device error" (was: Help, Please.)

[Alex Mc]

I just tried installing Rockbox onto my iPod Photo, but when I go to the iPod Patcher to install it, this keeps happening (click the following link for a screenshot): http://www.geocities.com/cbmedia/ghey.JPG

Could somebody please help me out on this?  I have tried more than 10 different tutorials that I've found on the web, and none of them have worked for me.  Help is greatly appreciated.  

EDIT: I do believe that I have posted this in the wrong section, seeing as how this is unsupported.. My apologies if that is the case..

[GodEater]

Nope - the iPod photo is supported - you're good

The last few times we've seen this issue there have been one of two causes :

1) Damage to the hard drive in the ipod.
2) A slightly dodgey USB cable.

The second of the two cases is easiest to test for if you have a spare USB cable somewhere. Also make sure you try it in a different USB port on your computer - this sometimes helps. DON'T use any sort of USB extension cable or USB hub - plug it directly into your computer.

[Alex Mc]

Well, it must be the first thing you mentioned.. Because I just tried the things you were talking about in option 2, didn't help at all.

Is there anyway to fix the hard drive?  (I'm sure it's a no, but I'm desperate, haha)..

Oh and by the way, thanks for the help you've given.

[LambdaCalculus]

You can swipe the hard drive out of the iPods, but it's going to take a little effort to pop the case open.

Here's a link to some very useful information about iPod (and even Macintosh) repairs; they also run a parts shop where you can get a new hard drive for your iPod if needed:

http://www.ifixit.com/