Java in trouble

This is a strange one. I am a regular user of Lycos chatrooms and until recently had no problem accessing or connecting to the server. For a few days now, I have still been able to join the rooms. But am unable to see what others are typing. The user names are visible, but none of their text is. I uninstalled all old java versions and downloaded the latest edition. I also updated my IE to (7). I emptied temp internet files, cookies etc and still the problem remains. I also tried connecting with firefox and the same occurs. Can anyone shed some light on why this may be as it is most annoying and puzzling?

Thank you in advance. (AVG Anti virus picks nothing up. Spybot removed all malware present and Ad adware cleaned the rest).

 

Please, somebody must have some clue as to why my system is blocking the Lycos server? My system restore will only go back to the 14th also, which I find strange. :confused