iTunes on Windows 7 - after current update, error code -3213 (not connected)

After installing the latest update to iTunes on my PC, everything looks the same as far as my content goes, but I'm unable to download anything (I subscribe to a number of podcasts.) I tried re-authorizing my computer but after logging in receive the error code -3213; the error box says I am not connected to the internet. Meanwhile I'm doing a few other things ON the internet as I'm reading this message.

I've read various troubleshooting articles and am hesitant to make any command-level changes until I can find up-to-date information from one or more actual users who have or are currently experiencing the same problem.

Most disconcertingly, I can find nothing on line (Google) regarding 'error -3213'

Thanks for any help anyone might have!