The error code 0x800CCC0E means the client connects to a port that is blocked or unavailable on the mail server. If the client is trying to send a message, the blocked port is 25, and if the client is trying to retrieve a message, the blocked port is 110. Refer to the error message for the protocol and port numbers.

For a more detailed explaination, you may refer to the microsoft help page :You receive a "Socket error: 10061, Error Number: 0x800ccc0e" error message when you try to send or receive e-mail in Outlook or in Outlook Express

As for AIM, the two may be connecting to the same port. You may want to try and ask your ISP if ever they made some changes with your connection. Either they are working on something or something may be already causing the problem that they are not aware of. But often it's the later that's causing the errors.