Explorer Problem

Hi there, my first thread which I hope does not sound ridiculous or boring.
A little problem with accessing certain web sites with internet explorer and now Firefox (I.E uninstalled). Cannot access MSN from desktop shortcut, can access Google and carry out a search, the problem seems to be going to certain web sites from that search, MSN, Mcafee. All that happens is the green bar hits halfway and stalls, in the bottom left hand corner the following message is displayed "waiting for a248.e.akamai.net" whether this has any relevance is beyond me. I have formatted the relevent drives and re-installed windows, same problem. I have attempted to carry out the READ & RUN ME FIRST but when the relevent programs attempt to update there appears to be no response from the web site. Preventing me from installing the latest updates.

Any suggestions would be welcome before I send my P.C to computer heaven.
confused