Messenger 6.1 Email Alerts Problem

Hi all:

Have a problem with MSN Messenger 6.1 that’s been annoying me for a while, so I figured I’d give you experts a crack at it. I have Windows ME and have been using Messenger for years without any problems. That last couple of upgrades haven’t worked well, though. I’ve got my Messenger settings so that it logs on automatically when I turn my computer on, and also to alert me if any new emails arrive while I’m on line. Well… the first half works OK. When I turn the computer on I know how many emails have come in since my last session and can go right to my inbox. My problem is with the latter. After going into my inbox and answering/deleting what’s there, Messenger still says I have the same amount of messages in my inbox. And if I get anything new, no alerts at all. The only way for me to check what’s in my inbox is to… er, actually check what’s in my inbox. I used Messenger in the past primarily as a way to avoid having to sign into hotmail and check my inbox — a shortcut to see if anything is in there. Any help would be appreciated!