Cannot connect to iTunes

I'm trying to fire up the new Christmas Ipod. I downloaded the new iTunes software this morning, but since that time, every time I try to do anything that requires a connection to iTunes, I get an error message saying that I cannot connect to the iTunes store. I have a DSL connection, and it's working fine. I've cleaned out the cache twice per the instructions found in troubleshooting, but it hasn't had an effect. Pop up blockers are off, and my Internet Explorer security settings are set at "medium". Any suggestions?