.HTAccess? xmlprc? Can’t “Pull” Into WordPress

Hi All, I’m very new with WP. My blog is running fine but WP can’t go out and “pull” content in. For example, I can’t import my posts from blogger as it says permission denied (I verified both login and email multiple times). The Ajax spell checker can’t connect out to check spelling on posts. I can’t check for updates for plugins, the typical error is “can’t connect to server.” I have itunesspyworking great, but it can’t connect out to Amazon for cover images, and all of the correct information is in place. Is this a permissions issue with .htaccess or xmlprc? Any help will be greatly appreciated!!