I Can't Send Messages but I did Everything Right

i have aol mail amnd i did evrthing right to set it up but i just cant send mail it says the sever is down but when i log in to me email i can send things fine. does any one have any ideas

[changed capitals to lowercase in title (don't want to give the impression you're impatient or rude, when that may not at all be the case) - moderator PP]