Activation Server error code: E_STREAM_ERROR: Wininet returned 0(0)

I cannot connect to http://adeactivate.adobe.com/ even when I TURN OFF the firewall.

With two browsers, I get a blank page. With Chrome I see an error message saying I could not connect.

When I try to Activate ADE I get the error:

Activation Server error

code: E_STREAM_ERROR: Wininet returned 0(0)

Stats:

win 7.

ADE version 4.5.6.177148

I have an account with Books-a-million (email, password)

Tried ADE after buying a book (Could only load the "Download.acsm" file.)

Nothing activated. No book was downloaded.