Brand New earphones won't work!?

My parents JUST bought me new earphones because I HATE apple earphones. So yesterday I tried plugging the earphones into my computer's tower to listen to something. But it didn't work. I figured is was because I had speakers plugged into the computer, but I didn't feel like unplugging them to see if the earphones would work. But when I plugged them into my ipod, they wouldn't work! I didn't blow them out because I don't listen to my music really loud. They are brand new, so I don't know why they aren't working anymore. Did I mess up a setting on my ipod? I have an ipod nano 5th generation. Any help appreciated! Thanks! :)