[B]Plz Help Me- Outlook Express unable to poll[/B]

Plz HELP!!
When Outlook Express 6 tries to connect with hotmail, it stops dead, with this error message:

Unable to poll for new messages on your HTTP server.
Server: 'http://services.msn.com/svcs/hotmail/httpmail.asp',
Protocol: HTTPMail, Server Response: '', Port: 0, Secure(SSL):
No, Socket Error: 12007, Error Number: 0x800CCC0D

It was working fine, until I did the 5 things listed below:

1- Downloaded the latest Windows Critical Update.

2- Uninstalled ezArmorLE

3- Downloaded, and tried to install free ZoneAlarm.
It refused to install, saying I needed a password.(?)

4- Installed and ran free versions of:
Adaware SE Personal
Spybot
NoAdware3
Spywareblaster
Registry Mechanic
5)- Tried to import my hotmail address book into OE.
No go.

Until this is fixed, I'm losing all incoming email permanently. My hotmail inbox is full to the limit, and OE is the only way I know to free it up and keep the mssgs.

Can someone please help me?

Thanks
(I'm running Windows 98SE, browser IE)