Ipod photo does not install os

I am recently trying to upgrade my ipod photo. I think i have tried everything that i can but nothing seems to be working. Whenever i plug in the original hdd it works fine. I am using the red cf adapter and i have read that it's a hit or miss so i tried using a 4gb jessops brand cf card that i use on my camera but tgat also did not work. I have also tried the rebuild mbr while the ipod is restoring but that also did not work. I have tried a 32gb micro sd card instead of the 64gb i am trying to use but that also did not get me any results. I have tried cloning the original hdd but still nothing. The pc detects the ipod and opens the folder and it also is detected by itunes. I have also tried changing the folder of itunes permission as i have read that should also work. I am almost ready to give up this project as i am running out options. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.