Try resetting the ipod by holding both the play and center menu down until the apple appears that might help. It just resets the power and does not effect anything loaded on the ipod. I have an old one also and that sometimes happens but the reset sorts it out.
If not next time your driving over a bridge give it a fling and then go to Wally mart buy her a new one and put it under her pillow, she will be happy. there is no cost for happy wife