Cannot download free apps

Why not? What happens when you try? Do you see an error? If so, what the exact text of the error message? Since you posted in the iPad forum, I'm guessing that you saw this on your iPad?

Log out of iTunes and then back in again. If that does not help, then do a reset on the device. Hold the sleep/wake and home buttons together until you see the Apple logo and then release. Once the device restarts, check.