Use Windows media player to rip your CD`s. I had exactly the same problem with I-Tunes & said Velvet Revolver CD. Binned it of & had no problems with WMP10 (a beta of WMP11 is now on Billyboys website for those interested...works very well.)
I-Tunes dumps the awful Quicktime on the pc & I`m sure the conflict arises from there.
The other option is to use Winamp.(excellent media player) This is compatible with the I-Pod for ripping & can be fount at....
http://www.winamp.com/