4th gen iPod charges, doesn't play via USB - Help, please!

[2011SLinBigD]

I've scoured several pages of posts looking at the iPod threads but haven't come across my particular iPod connectivity issue: when I try to connect my 4th gen iPod via the USB port in the center console of my 3-day old 2011 SL, no NAV, so as to utilize the Murano's steering-wheel mounted track controls, I get a "Check Connected Device" error mesage and nothing else. There are no error messages or apparent problems with the iPod itself. I've tried various sequences of power on, iPod reset, etc without any luck. The iPod DOES charge when connected. The iPod plays just fine when connected to the AUX audio jacks (via RCA/3.5pin cable) in the console but I then lose track control via the Murano's audio controls. This iPod played fine when connected to an Alpine iPod controller via USB/Apple cable in my previous vehicle. What am I missing? Thanks in advance!