Ipod shuffle shuts down when itunes opens

I have the latest itunes installed on my PC laptop. I have an ipod shuffle and I want to be able to change the playlist, specifically be deleting some songs. When I plug the ipod into the laptop via a USB connector the ipod starts to charge (the light flashes [orange]). But then when itunes opens (either automatically, or manually), the ipod light goes off. In itunes, although I can see the contents of the ipod, I can't change it (for example I can't delete any of the songs).

So it appears that opening itunes loses the connection between the laptop and the ipod shuffle. Any ideas on how to fix this issue would be gratefully received. Thank you.