OUTLOOK EXPRESS PROBLEM

about a month ago i installed a new computer and also switched over from dial-up service to DSL.
the DSL connections to a2k and website look-ups work great.

here is my problem :
after a few days i could no longer use outlook express to send or receive messages(it worked briefly and quit).
the DSL provider (3web.com) provides its own but somewhat limited internet service which has continued to work.
i just went through the process of bringing up outlook express again, following all the steps carefully. the installation process completes and tells me that i'm ready for action.

when i try to send a message via outlook express, a window with the message :

"The connection to the server has failed. Account: 'mail.3web.com', Server: '3web.com', Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, Secure(SSL): No, Socket Error: 10061, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E"

the computer people have assured me it has nothing to do with the computer but with the provider (the server).

before phoning the service provider, i thought i'll ask around to find out if anyone has had a similar problem ... and perhaps a solution.

i find trying to fix a problem over the telephone is not an easy task . i have enough trouble with the phone or the computer ... put them together and i'm a basket-case.

if anyone can give me some pointers i'd much appreciate it . hbg