Cant connect to music store or podcasts...

[drumfreak101]

i went on my computer and clicked on update podcast and immediately it came up with exclamation marks on all my podcasts. i then tried to connect to the music store and it popped up displaying the message

"iTunes could not connect to the iTunes Store. The network connection was refused.

Make sure your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, then try again."

i have been looking around for an answer and have not been able to find out whats wrong.
i've allowed iTunes in the exceptions list in windows firewall butit still doesnt work.

im using symantec antivirus which shouldnt affect it (i think)

could someone plzzzz tell me whats wrong or what i could do to fix it