Probably missing plugins, or using IE

You need to have java installed. Also, if you are logging in from a place with a lot of users (like a school), it is likely and probably that quakenet g-lined (banned) that IP / network. I know that they did that for University of Cincinnati IPs.
Im am using IE. Why would that not let me into the chat applet?
Also I'm on a computer at work so its quite possible I need to download some sort of plug-in or activate something or other. Luckily I'm on the one computer (that I know of) in this company that doesnt have anything restricting my usage, so I can download or activate anything I would like. Does anyone have any common troubleshooting ideas I could try out to get it working or do I simply need to start using Firefox or something?