[bloodgain]

You said you tried all the usual solutions, but sometimes it helps to ask some of the usual questions when you're trying to help someone find a solution:

1) Did you synchronize your computer clock with an internet time server? If so, try synchronizing with a different one, and set your clock to autosync every night if possible.

2) How do you connect to the internet? If you use broadband, how is your service quality (how fast, frequency of dropped connections, etc.)?

3) Is Paypal timing out immediately, or after a period of time (and how long)?

4) I know you said it only happens with Paypal, but think hard. Is there another major website that shouldn't have much downtime that you find yourself unable to access on occasion?

5) What browser do you use (version number if you can provide it)? What operating system (Windows 2000, Windows XP, Ubuntu Linux, Mac OS-X)?

I don't promise I can help you figure it out, but this info will give me a better idea of what might be causing it. I already have a few educated guesses.