I think I've got my 1394 port problem sorted on my hifipc and so my iPod's up and running again.
I've been ripping mp3s with EAC but as Mystic pointed out I didn't have settings quite right so I've several albums without correct titling [do I mean tags?]. To fix these do I just use explorer to open the album then r click each track in turn select rename and then re-type the title in the manner of my other correctly titled[tagged?] mp3s?

Hmm.... are the devices reading the file name or the tag?

I think you've hit the nail on the head there Mystic, but my answer is - Who Knows!!!
Anyway I've now discovered there are file names and there are tags. Have discovered Tag editing via my favourite WMP10 - have now got current probs sorted.