Downloaded 1 episode of "Lost" and can't get the rest.

Question

I purchased the entire first season of "Lost" and was charged for it. I downloaded the first episode and then stopped the downloading of the rest of them to watch it. Later, when I re-opened iTunes to get the other episodes I no longer have a "Downloads" icon in the left window under STORE. I've tried to check for purchases from the drop down "Store" menu at the top of the window but every time I get
Unable to Check For Purchases. iTunes store is temporarily unavailable.
This has been going on for a couple of days. I've read several posts, turned of my firewall and anti-virus, flushed the dns, and a bunch of other things and nothing works. I should also mention that I recently upgraded to iTunes 7.0 and then downloaded the first season. The program worked fine until I shut it off and went back.
If it helps, here is the diagnostic.
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
HP Pavilion 04 P6319A-ABA 750N
iTunes 7.0.0.70
Current user is an administrator.
Network Adapter Information
Adapter Name: {1045FD19-B838-4873-B772-6C24AAC0352B}
Description: Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
IP Address:
Subnet Mask: 255.255.240.0
Default Gateway: 65.29.160.1
DHCP Enabled: Yes
DHCP Server: 10.83.32.1
Lease Obtained: Tue Sep 26 11:36:43 2006
Lease Expires: Wed Sep 27 11:36:43 2006
DNS Servers:
Network Connection Information
Active Connection: LAN Connection
Connected: Yes
Online: Yes
Using Modem: No
Using LAN: Yes
Using Proxy: No
Firewall Information
Windows Firewall is on.
iTunes is enabled in Windows Firewall.
Connection attempt to Apple web site was successful.
Connection attempt to iTunes Store was successful.
Secure connection attempt to iTunes Store was successful.
I should also mention that I can still connect to the store and the radio stations.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I watched the first episode and would like to see the rest.

Answer 1

Read the PDF user manual for possible solutions:  iPod Manuals 
 Regarding your last question check out iTunes & iPod Hints & Tips and research Apple's Knowledge Base