Well, earphones work almost anywhere, so i would say they work by the built-in speakers they have in the earphones. They work on a Mac or a PC. They work on phones, I pods, I pads, and kindles, and also NOOKS!
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Try unplugging them from the iPod, then plug them back in as far as the plug will go.
If this doesn't work, turn off your iPod for 30 seconds, then turn it back on, and then plug the headphones...
Microsoft do not make computers. Apple earphones should play music on anything that has a suitable 3.5mm audio socket. The remote control and microphone features found on some Apple earphones will...