IM Window Says "Waiting for User Authentication"

Step 1: Verify that you are connected to the Internet by browsing to another web page. If using Wireless, verify that there is a strong signal
Step 2: Verify you have access to the Instant Messaging port
Step 3. Sign out and sign back in again
Step 3: Perform a trace route to determine any network latency which may be resulting in a poor connection to our server
Step 4: Disable Internet Security
Step 5: Uninstall / reinstall Java
Step 6: Make sure you have accepted the Web Certificate.