Yes, I think I know what you mean. Apparently, Amarok (which is using the KDE ipod io-slave) has troubles with the newer iPod models such as the nano and the 5th gen video iPod (for details
Looks like the only choice we have right now is to use gtkpod... That is, until Amarok 1.4 is released.
Met viendelijke groet,
Gijs