every time i hit 'join internet games' it says 'connection failed, try another nick' this happens to my roommate as well, and i have tried creating other nicknames. the only way i can join the server on which i play is by going to history.

unfortunately, sometimes my server is down and then i can't find other servers. does anyone have any ideas?

Welcome to IW!

Your prob seems to be gamespy if not your connection. Are you behind a firewall? Download the seperate gamespy client and try through there, this way you can asess what is causing your problem.