Spybot & AIM

I apologize if anything like this has been answered or can't be answered... I did a search but couldn't find anything pertaining to this.

I recently got a virus on my computer which disabled my IE, Mozilla, and McAfee. I got the entire computer cleared off and rebuilt as a result. To stop potential viruses, Spybot Search & Destroy was put on. I was having issues with that blocking programs, such as AIM. I did some research to see if anyone else had issues with it, and it seemed that many people did. I deleted Spybot a few weeks ago, but I'm still having issues with AIM. Whenever I sign off or get kicked offline, I cannot sign back on. Even if I am connected to the internet, AIM says that the service can't be reached. I have to uninstall and reinstall the program every time this happens, which is at least once a day. It's getting to be a pain.

I don't know if the Spybot has something to do with this, but I thought it might. Is there anything I can do to fix this, or is there something wrong with my computer? I tried the things that AIM's FAQ said to do, but none of those work or pertain to me.

I have an IBM ThinkPad, I believe it was made in 2001. I am running Windows XP.

Thank you so very much in advance!

 

It won't let me edit... but I am using AIM 5.9.