This sounds like a firewall issue. Freelancer.exe requires internet and server access to the internet, you might want to check your firewall settings if you have a software firewall that is.

If you have a hardware firewall, such as a router. these are some things you can do.
* Forword the following UDP port rang to your computer.
2300-2400 UDP and (2302-2304 UDP -for servers.)

* You can set your computer as the DMZ Host within the router, WARNING: doing this will make it so your computer is _NOT_ Protected by the routers firewall. so you better have a software firewall.

* Download and install the most recent version of Microsoft DirectX, To correct any issues with Direct Play, witch is required for game play in freelancer.

Give that a try and perhaps it might correct your issue.

--
Jim
BrokenTools.