My 80 gb Ipod wont start menu and middle on doesn't seem to work!? HELP!?

My 80gb ipod wont start, i let the whole battery die and when i plug it in my car transmitter (which also charges) the apple appears (I click the menu and middle on together and it resets the apple) the apple just reappears, what can be wrong. Does it just not work anymore or should I try charging it with my usb cable??? HELP!