My Ares does not transfer any file

Hello,

Got a new laptop, vista, my previous one was also vista.

I used to use Ares in my previous computer and worked perfectly, now on this one I do not manage to download any file. It either says "locally paused" or "connecting".

I wonder what could be causing this? the antivirus? a firewall? the set up. I do not quite understand what I have to put in all te control panel tabs.

The version downloaded was on sourceforge.net. and is Ares 2.1.2.3036.

I hope someone can help cause my laptop got stolen and lost all my music and videos.

Thanks!

R