Cannot send an email with Windows Live Mail now

It was working fine but then it stopped after some Microsoft updates. I've called Dell & Verizon and they both say it's a Microsoft "patch" issue. I've verified all the settings and they are correct. The "requires server authentication" box is checked also. I can receive emails just fine. When I finish an email and go to send it, it just sits in the outbox. If I click on the outbox and hit the "send/receive" button, it will send it but I shouldn't have to do that. Verizon is my email provider, btw...