Can connect to the internet but not to websites

Yesterday morning, thanksgiving morning, I tried getting online to find a recipe. I opened my firefox (i hate internet explorer) and it said "the connection to the server has been reset"

I am used to my modem giving me trouble, so after a few times of resetting the modem (and flipping out) I called my service provider. The tech support kept having em do the same things over and over again until finally i had to get of the phone to rush to get the turkey in the oven.

Since i didnt get any good advice, I did two system restores, uninstalled and reinstalled my firefox, and then i realized something. I cannot access websites, but I can sign onto trillian, my instant messenger program. once i knew that i IMed everyone on my list beggin for help. no one knows what to do.

I turned off IPv6 and that did nothing. turned off my anti virus. used windows defender. nothing. help me please. I need the internet, i work form the internet and there HAS to be a way to fix this. I looked it up and saw a lot of people had the same issues but they are all with windows xp.

I am using VISTA. my computer is less than one year old. bought it from best buy and they wont help me unless i pay out my bum for their help. I need HELP.

PLEASE GIVE ME HELP. I do not know how to ping or anything so please explain this as in depth as you can. HURRY! I work from home and need to be able to get online.

I am writing this on my sisters computer at her house. All I can do on my computer is IM. I wont be here forever so you can IM me at AIM achaoticwhisper BUT YOU MUST SAY YOU ARE FROM THIS FORUM FOR THIS PROBLEM or you will be BLOCKED.

I have had a few people try to help and no one knows what to do, or they just tell me to do what I have already done.