Check the following, and then try connecting to the news server again

There might be a problem with one or more of the settings for the news servers you cannot connect to. These settings are given to you by your Internet service provider (ISP).

Check the settings for the news server

1. On the Tools menu, click Accounts.

2. Click the news server, and then click Properties.

3. On the Server tab, check the following:
• Does the news server name match the name given to you by your ISP?

• Does your ISP require a logon account name and password?

  If you are required to log on to this news server, check that the account name and password you have entered match those issued to you by your ISP.

  If you are not required to log on to this news server, clear the following check box: This server requires me to logon.

4. On the Advanced tab, check the following:
• Does the port number match the number issued to you by your ISP? Most ISPs use port 119.
• Is the server timeout set to Short?

  Some servers might take longer to make a connection. To allow more time for your computer to make the connection, move the slider toward Long.

5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

6. In the Folders list, click the server, and then click the News groups button on the toolbar to view the newsgroups.

7. Repeat this procedure for each news server that you cannot connect to.

Did this fix the problem?