Are you running essentials with admin rights?
http://www.gotfusion.com/tutorials/tut.cfm?itemID=4037
Install a 3rd party FTP program and see if you can connect with that.
This tutorial will go over how to install filezilla for the hosting I provide. The tutorial will give you the download
GB WhatsApp URL for the software and the basic steps to set it up but you will need to get the connection details from your web host (DON'T use the ones I provide for my customers)
http://www.gotfusion.com/tutorials/tut.cfm?itemID=4066
If you can't connect with filezilla then the issue is with your log in details and you will need to contact your web host.