Gmail with Outlook express config problems

I have win2k pro and IE 6 with MS OFFICE 2k premium. My gmail account isnt working with either outlook express or MS outlook 2k. I have enabled pop3 in the Gmail options and I tried configuring it both manually and automatically(Gconfig.exe). It isnt working. Please help me.
PS: I've tried using outlook express with some pop3 services like softhome and hotpop and they all worked. my hotmail id works, but i have only 2 mb, so you can imagine my trauma...

I can only think of removing all settings and then use the Gconfig once more.

Conan i tried that many times over. I guess I'll just upgrade to Office XP. I guess its just one of 'em starnge problems