Vista - STRANGE - Vista Can see internet in IE but no Windows Update

I have just rebuilt my laptop using the 32bit vista beta two.
For some reason vista cannot 'see' the internet, but IE and Firefox can.
When i try to check for new drivers/run windowsupdate/sign in to
messenger/install windows live one care/etc etc it just loops 'checking'

windows live messenger thinks

It should be mentioned that I'm on a University network, so certain ports
are restricted - but XP was fine with this... im really not sure what's going
on.

I always thought if IE and Firefox can get the internet... then the
operating system can see the net aswell.

I've tried killing the windows firewall, to no avail. Messenger reports that
'key ports' are blocked, and sudgests i turn off my firewall. but i've tried
that! no help!