Listener Mark sent in this response to a question on how to recharge an iPod from the USB port on the PC, but not have the iPod mount or sync with iTunes.
You had a listener a few podcast ago asked about charging his iPOD at work using PC power only. Today I purchased a Targus Ultra Mini USB 2.0 4-Port Hub. The connecting USB cable from the hub to the the computer has two plugs. The black plug is for power and data flow, or you can use the red plug connector for power only. I think this would work for the situation your listener described.