can't do anything in outlook express

am getting this message when i try to delete messages in outlook express:

An unknown error has occurred. Account: 'pop-server.stny.rr.com', Server: 'pop-server.stny.rr.com', Protocol: POP3, Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800C0131

Then when I go off and come back on, i have multiple emails. Any ideas?
thanks for any help.
windows 98se
pentium 3
800 mhz
256mb rdram
30gb hd

 

i should also add that i am not getting any new mail either.

 

Well, after 2 days all of a sudden outlook express is working again.

 

Thanks Pete. I have bookmarked it just in case it happens again.