Can't connect to Pidgin with satellite connection

[pipermoo at earthlink.net]

Hi,

Ever since installing HughesNet satellite Internet a week ago, I have 
been unable to connect to Pidgin.  Each time I try, I get the following 
message:
Connection error from Notification server:
Connection refused.

I know that my password is correct.  I called HughesNet tech support and 
was told that there shouldn't be a problem connecting to any IMs.

I would very much appreciate any ideas to overcome this problem.

Thanks!

MM