Ipof wont turn on after running out of battery?

My ipod 5th gen died last night before i went to bed, so i figured i'd put it on charge in the morning, but today when i put it on charge all that happens is it alternates every 15 seconds or so between the apple loading logo and the out of charge red battery image. This has been happening for about an hour and i don't know what to od. I have several valuable lecture notes on my ipod and other things and i'd really need some way to get them back :( any help is much appreciated