Right, let's start from the beginning. I assume your parents are using the AOL browser to log on to the Internet. Are you saying that they cannot access the AOL site with that? If so, the problem is with the AOL software & nothing to do with IE or any other alternative browser. Why not swallow your pride & go back to the AOL Tech Help people. Tell them that their last suggestion didn't work. They are the ones most likely to have the answer.
Will do. By the way I have nothing against the AOL Live help people.
Edit: just finished the conversation with AOL live help. "This error occurs for two main reasons; if the USB cable is not plugged into the PC from the modem or if the drivers have not installed correctly." Surely, if that was the case I wouldn't have been able to talk to him in the first place?? :-?