Cannot connect to itunes store--> cannot use newly purchased ipad

Hello

Bought myself an ipad today and haven't been able to use it as I could not connect to the itunes store. I am assuming that is the first thing I need to do in order to activate the ipad through itunes?

I then ran the diagnostic tool in itunes and received the following messages:

Windows Firewall is on.
iTunes is enabled in Windows Firewall.

Connection attempt to Apple web site was unsuccessful.
The network connection timed out.
Connection attempt to iTunes Store was unsuccessful.
The network connection timed out.
Secure connection attempt to iTunes Store was unsuccessful.
The network connection timed out.
Secure connection attempt to iPhone activation server unsuccessful.
The network connection timed out.
Last successful store access was 2010-08-05 22:05:54.

I have subsequently turned off both WIndows Firewall and Norton 360 but the connection issue remained. Subsequently, I uninstalled itunes and downloaded the latest version and installed but still no joy.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Not being technically minded, I am running out of options.

Thanks in advance.