Not sure if I can help.
But just for info, which ever protocol you use, IMAP or POP3, you should be able to download and read your mails.
Under the server-manager -> Other email settings, please make sure that IMAP and POP access is public if you are using it externally.
For the configuration of either Outlook or Outlook express.
For those who have firewalls installed, please make sure that your ports are opened.
For those who can only use either Outlook or Outlook Express, please toggle around using the IMAP or POP protocol.
If you are using IMAP, please make sure that if you are using WU-IMAP, leave the "root folder" as blank and if you are using COURIER-IMAP, please add "INBOX" without the quote in the blank.
Hope that helps and not make things even more confusing.