My buddies don't show up as online when i know that they are

For the past few days when i log onto iChat its as if all of my buddies are offline(meaning their names are grey) but I know for a fact that some of them are online and using iChat. They say that they do not register me as online, even though it is green and says available under my name when i look at ichat. When i sign into AIM using the AOL application i have the same problem. I signed up for a new account and still have the same problem. What is going on? Any info would be GREATLY appreciated.

thanks