Downloading podcast error message

Question

I am unable to download any free podcasts. I subscribe successfully, but when I click "Get" a grey exclamation point appears immediately. The error message is "There was a problem downloading "the podcast" . The required folder cannot be found. Please check that the URL is correct and the connection to the network is active and try again."
I get this message everytime I attempt to download something on ITunes. I have disabled the firewall and pop up blockers. Nothing changes -- same error message. I use Mozilla Firefox as a browser.
Any suggestions?
TorDub
Acer Aspire 3000   Windows XP   using Mozilla Firefox

Answer 1

My podcast downloading problem has gotten worse -- A week ago, I manages to get two downloads out of 15, but now I get NONE. I've been trying to get help through Apple Support, and this is what I got back (none of which works for me, unfortunately):
+Dear Joan,+
+I understand that some podcasts are not downloading to one of your computers. I am not aware of any issues with podcasts and the latest version of iTunes.+
+If a podcast doesn't download when you click the Subscribe or Get Episode button in the iTunes Store, the server that hosts that podcast may be down or busy. Try waiting a few hours before updating the podcast.+
+To update your podcast subscriptions, follow these steps:+
+1) Make sure you're using the latest version of iTunes. It can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple website:+
+http://www.apple.com/itunes/download+
+2) Open iTunes.+
+3) Click Podcasts on the left.+
+4) Click the Refresh button in the lower-right corner to update all of your subscriptions.+
+If this action doesn't resolve your situation, try deleting the podcast and subscribing to it again.+
+1) Open iTunes.+
+2) Click Podcasts on the left.+
+3) Click once on the podcast that won't play.+
+4) Press your keyboard's Delete key to delete the podcast.+
+5) Click iTunes Store on the left side of iTunes.+
+6) Find the podcast you want to subscribe to.+
+7) Click the Subscribe button.+
+If you still can't play the podcast after you follow these steps, the podcast will need to be reviewed. To submit a request to have this podcast reviewed by Apple, follow these steps:+
+1) On the iTunes Store, navigate to the podcast you're experiencing the issue with.+
+2) Click the Report a Concern link in the upper-righter corner of the podcast's page.+
+3) From the drop-down menu, select "Difficulty playing episode".+
+4) Enter your email address and any additional comments you have.+
+5) Click Submit.+
+Feedback is reviewed carefully and Apple will make sure the right steps are taken.+
+I hope that this email has been helpful. If you have any further questions or difficulties, just reply to this email and I'll be happy to help.+
+Thanks for being a part of the iTunes community.+
Sincerely,
Justin
+iTunes Store Customer Support+
+http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww/+
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I'm amazed that he says "I am not aware of any issues with podcasts and the latest version of iTunes" -- I referred him to this message board.
-- Joan