I get this:

The connection with blah was not successful. Make sure that your Buddy is using the latest version of AIM. Changing your settings in the Firewall preference may help. Also both you and your Buddy may need to adjust the settings of the firewall software on your individual networks.

I have a Linksys, how do i brign that firewall that is preventing this shit down?

and im on 98.

i get the same thing too. i just gave up. i don't have anything to share with people except my written sarcasm.

BUMP

nobody knows how to take the firewall down?

i think you have to change your firewall settings or something.

haha, i know i do.... i just dont know how.

are they behind a router?
sometimes I can't do things across 2 nats for some reason.

AOL has made it so older versions and the newest version cannot direct connect