Cannot open my emails on my laptop

I cannot open my emails on outlook via my laptop for the past week.  The square check box next to the email that you normally tick to open an email has disappeared.   I cannot open the folders on my laptop either.  I thought my account had been hacked so I have followed the links and added security but nothing has changed.  When I log in the blue timer circle is always there as though it is trying to do something.  I can access emails on my iphone. Please help!