Cannot download books

I have been trying to download a book but it won't work.  First it told me there was an activation error.  I tried to deactivate but then it told me it couldn't connect to the internet.  I manually deactivated it but now it won't download because it "could not connect to the fulfillment server. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet".  I am using that same computer and connection to place this question in the forum.  Why does it keep saying its not connected?  I have tried with the firewall on and off.