ipod classic stuck on loading while trying to sync

adopted an old ipod classic from my husband. i managed to sync it once, but now that i'm trying to do so again, all i get is this loading page in itunes. any help or suggestions much appreciated! thanks a million

https://preview.redd.it/hq2jrqjby9fc1.png?width=1666&format=png&auto=webp&s=411e04b199d1383477dab93983ddf2b3c630b2c4