Is there an updated version of the AOL software to download? Do AOL have a support email you could contact (that way you'll avoid the call center and might be able to get through to someone with the ability to fix the problem).
As for IE, you could debate the merits of closed source v open source for security and many other things, but that would probably bore the socks off everyone!
I still hate the blasted contraption for the way it urinates all over the web standards meaning I have to make a website and then make it work in IE.
I also don't think I could live without the add-ons for firefox, so many really useful tweak, tools, and features.
Opera - very nice, not enough incentive for me to switch from FF though - especially with all the add ons that really help me!
Safari - I have it installed, don't really use it - it's just handy for testing. Text and forms look nice though!