Can't connect to POTCO? *Merged*

[layol]

I have came back to play this game after several years , and have a problem the only way it seems i can play is through the firefox 3 web browser is there not a way to play through the separate game launcher any more for the better graphics and game play? I have a lot better machine now 15 2500k with dual 6870 vid cards and running win 7 x64 pro... Before i was running a standaard acer store bought machine with integrated nvidia 6100 graphics. I got the launcher and it just sits there with the red ring circling for hours and it doe's not download anything... somone plz help I love this game and it saddens me that i can only run it through an out of date web browser