Directions say it charges and syncs. When I

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ipod/specs/ipod-2nd-generation-nano-specs.html
USB Support:
Sync & Charge
Firewire Support:
Charge Only

Details:
The second generation iPod nano models are capable of charging and syncing by USB via the dock connector. It also can charge, but not sync via Firewire "400".

Connectivity:
USB
Ports:
Dock, Headphone*

Details:
Apple reports that this model provides "USB through dock connector."

*Ports include the "dock connector [and] stereo minijack".
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+of+apple+ipod+usb+chargers+&qpvt=images+of+apple+ipod+usb+chargers+&FORM=IGRE - view=detail&id=9C41186E7131E6658B9324CCA

Be sure to connect the charging/sync cable directly to the computer, not a USB hub. Most hubs are don't provide enough power to the usb ports to charge the ipod. If you need a method of charging the ipod while away from the computer connect your sync cable to a device like these: Even the USB port on Apple keyboards is not able to charge the Ipod.

If you're using the computer to charge the Ipod, be sure it stays on, when computers go into sleep or standby modes they stop charging your ipod. You may want to use one of the options below to charge your Ipod when the computer is off or in a different location than the Ipod.

For use inside: Best prices for a Belkin brand power adapter for Ipod click here

For use in the car: Best prices for a Belkin brand car power adapter for Ipod click here

As with all iPods, you must use Apple's iTunes application to sync your music with your iPod Shuffle.

You'll need to install the latest iTunes by downloading it from Apple click here> and then installing it. You install iTunes like any other downloaded program by double-clicking on the resulting icon after iTunes has successfully downloaded.
Follow the on-screen directions to install iTunes.
Once iTunes is installed, start up iTunes and have it search your computer for music for it to manage for you. While that is going on, plug the white USB cable that came with your iPod into your iPod Shuffle and into one of the USB ports on your computer. This will trigger iTunes to recognize your iPod Shuffle and ask you whether you want to set it up with this computer.

Follow the on-screen prompts to sync your iPod Shuffle with your computer.

To charge your iPod Shuffle, just keep it plugged in to your computer using the supplied white USB cable. Keep the cable connected until the battery indicator on the ipod Shuffle shows that the battery is full.

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Connect it to the computer.
Open iTunes and select the Nano.
Uncheck Open iTunes when connecting this iPod.

Don't have iTunes open when the iPod is connected.

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Unfortunately, the iPod nano only ships with a USB 2.0 cable, which alienates many Mac users who only have USB 1.1 and Firewire ports. Although Apple offers no official support, you can both charge and sync your iPod nano, albeit slowly, using USB 1.1. Or, you can charge your iPod nano, but not sync, using Firewire.

Unfortunately, the iPod nano only ships with a USB 2.0 cable, which alienates many Mac users who only have USB 1.1 and Firewire ports. Although Apple offers no official support, you can both charge and sync your iPod nano, albeit slowly, using USB 1.1. Or, you can charge your iPod nano, but not sync, using Firewire.

Unfortunately, the iPod nano only ships with a USB 2.0 cable, which alienates many Mac users who only have USB 1.1 and Firewire ports. Although Apple offers no official support, you can both charge and sync your iPod nano, albeit slowly, using USB 1.1. Or, you can charge your iPod nano, but not sync, using Firewire.