4th generation, apple sign, shuts off

Hello,
4th generation ipod has to be connected, apple logo comes on then shuts off and the process just circulates forever and ever. when i disconnect the power, nothing happens, it wont turn on, nothing on the screen pops up. Its been like this for years and i just give up after a while and try again months later.i just found it in my drawer and its still the same problem it was when i put it in that drawer years ago. please help.