Cannot Login to Microsoft Messenger 7 from Leopard

Hello,

Just downloaded the new Messenger 7, but whenever i try to login to my
account i get the message "the password is incorrect or the name
doesn't exist."

1. i have no problem to sign in to my account anywhere else from
Windows (haven't tried other Macs).

2. the password and e-mail address i am typing are the correct ones.

3. i AM able to login through a third party software called aMSN on
the Mac. it's not a firewall issue.

This is probably a MS Messenger issue - please assist !

Thanks
rotemx