No connection to iTunes store but no error

Question

I receive the following message when opening my iTunes-
iTunes could not connect to the iTunes Store. The network connection timed out.
Make sure your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, then try again.
I am able to connect to the internet but not iTunes. I have done the following-
reinstalled iTunes with the current upgrade
removed pop-up blockers
flushed DNS settings
checked my exceptions on my firewall
I try to run diagnostics and run the Network Connectivity test but my computer ends up freezing. I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I recently upgraded to the (2) latest iTunes versions 8.2x early this month- and not been able to connect to the store also. Tried all the same fixes and even one change to my "Hosts" file in system32\drivers\etc folder. Coincidentally
my ZoneAlarm Pro software also stopped connecting to the update web site. I got quick tech support on that issue and somehow it also fixed my iTunes connection to Store problem. Here is the
Text of that message for how I changed my HOSTS file. Still don't know why it fixed iTunes but glad it did after 3 weeks down time. Hope this helps you out.
____________________________________Tech Support email___
Hello,
Thank you for contacting Zone Labs
Please try the following:
1.) Click Start -> Run
2.) Type "c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts"
3.) You will get an 'Open With' window, choose Notepad from the list
4.) Under 127.0.0.1 localhost add the following:
205.177.95.216 kav.zonelabs.com
204.2.208.41 upd.zonelabs.com
5.) Close the file and click Yes to save the file
6.) Allow any alerts from ZoneAlarm
7.) Restart computer and try to update the anti-virus/anti-spyware
If my answer did not resolve your issue, or you would like further assistance on this issue, please reply to this email. By replying, and leaving the subject line intact, your response will come directly to me. If you have a separate issue you would like assistance with, please submit a new request using the website at http://www.zonelabs.com/tsform .
Thank you for choosing Zone Labs Security
Ben
Technical Support
ZoneAlarm, A Division of Check Point Software