msn messenger error code.

Msn messenger just stopped working for me a couple of days ago. The same goes for accessing hotmail and gmail. Firefox claims there is an "error accessing the page." I've googled the problem (some error code 80048820 involving key ports or something of that nature) and tried everything various forums suggested, but to no avail. I use hotmail for my any and all email needs, so I'm in desperate need of it.

Suggestions please?

Mucho thanks in advance.

-kandie