iChat won't let me sign up

I've been having problems with my iChat not connecting lately so I uninstalled and then reinstalled it. Now when I try to sign up my AIM screename, instead of the word "end" at the end of the sign up .. It says "continue" & when I click it, nothing happens. Can someone help me please?!

Go into iChat > Preferences > Accounts > Add your account there.

I can't even get into Preferences, it won't pass the set up stage