My pc doesn't recognize my mp3 player. What do I do?

I bought a brand new 16 GB MP4/MP3 Player yesterday on amazon. It came with instructions on how to set it up and everything, but they were vague. I know how to convert songs on it, by using windows media player. But when I try to sinc my playlist, it says "Connect a Device" even though my mp3 player is already connected. I tried both of my USB outlets to plug it in, but it wont connect. My mp3 player is charging, but my computer doesnt recognize it. I really want this to work, what do I do?