If you’re getting Error 1418 in iTunes when you try to sync your iPod, try the following steps to fix this issue:

1. Click Start > Run and type regsvr32 softpub.dll

2. When you receive the message that the DLL has been registered, click OK and perform the same steps for each of the following commands one by one under Start > Run:

regsvr32 wintrust.dll
regsvr32 dssenh.dll
regsvr32 rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 sccbase.dll
regsvr32 slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 mssip32.dll
regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32 initpki.dll

If these steps do not fix the issue, see if you can disconnect any other USB devices from your computer (except keyboard and mouse) to see if that fixes the issue.
Otherwise, try to update the USB drivers using the following steps:

1. Right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties.

2. Click the Hardware tab.

3. Click the Device Manager button.

4. Right-click the iPod in Device Manager and select Update Driver.

5. In the Hardware Update Wizard, select Yes, this time only to allow and then click Next.

6. Select Install the software automatically (Recommended) and click Next.

If Windows is unable to find updated drivers on its own, continue with the steps below:

a. Click Back.
b. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) then click Next.
c. Select Search for the best driver in these locations.
d. Select Include this location in the search and type the following in the field below: C:\Windows\INF

7. Click Next. Windows searches this location for drivers and installs any it finds.

See also:

Error 1415, 1417, 1418, or 1428: Cannot restore or update iPod in iTunes 7 or later