Why can't i log in to AIM?

i recently moved. i brought my computer with me and i have a similar set up as i did at my other house. that being a cable internet service on a wireless network through a router. i have full internet browsing capabilities but i can't log into AOL instant messenger. sometimes it goes through "1. connecting...2. verifiying name and pword" but it never gets to 3 and it gives me an error message saying the AIM service cannot be reached. the network i'm on is currently unsecured but i cant imagine it has anything to do with it. could that also make my internet run slower than usual...because it is running pretty slow. any thoughts or advice on this would help a ton!