Inernet explorer cannot display the webpage

This is a question from a very novice computer user. Just upgraded to Norton 360 and get the above message when attempting to open internet explorer. I know the system is accessing the web because the msn toolbar at the top of the page shows web news highlights and norton 360 is communicating with the web for updates. Norton 360 webchat (webchat works!) showed me how to disable Norton temporarily and I still received the above error.  I've scoured the threads on this site and have not found a useful answer.

1. Virus scans on Norton are not detecting any new threats that might be the problem

2. The time/date on control panel is having an error on syncing time (can't access the site?) but this isn't proving a problem for 360.

3. Can't access microsoft or norton to search for fixes because I can't open the pages.

Any thoughts? I don't know which version of internet explorer i have--the computer system is an '06 and i have never updated