Vista - Asking for authentication

Had Windows mail installed on new computer. Worked fine. I then installed
Mcafee back in August and Windows mail worked fine. Towards the end of
December, near Christmas, I stopped receiving and sending email thru Windows
mail. Then about 5 days ago a dialoge box opens up and asks for username and
ID. I tyed it in and it just clears it self out and asks for it all over
again. If I hit cancel, I get this message:

Account: 'pop.embarqmail.com', Server: 'pop.embarqmail.com', Protocol:
POP3, Server Response: '-ERR Could not connect to server', Port: 110,
Secure(SSL): No, Server Error: 0x800CCC90, Error Number: 0x800CCC92

I tried deleting the account and starting over new, but that hasnt helped.
I seen where you have to uninstall your virus programs to make this possibly
work, but Id rather have a good virus program than the ever finding problem
Microsoft product. What are my options? Can I delete Windows Mail and get a
more reliable service? Should I just leave it be and avoid using it and just
download a reliable service? Is there any fix for the current situation?
Thank you.

Chris