How to get Ipod Nano music and photos onto new laptop?

I know this has been asked a million times and I did google some of the programs suggested to do this. The one I bought (with the best reviews) will not load without errors and it will recognize my music but not my photos (program is Cucusoft). Lets just say Cucusoft while rated high for customer service has not been able to solve and refuses to refund. So then I tried Copy Toy as suggested by a friend (it worked for them) and it too does not recognize my photos. Their customer service is lacking as well. I have paid for both of these programs and I still can not load my music and photos. Any suggestions would be appreciated. (both the Ipod Nano and laptop are brand new)