Connection cut out, I reconnected and now nothing downloads!

[mithrandir]

So I have just started using uTorrent, and am unfamiliar with the fiddly bits of computers as it is, in its complexity and mystery, indistinguishable to me from witchcraft. So if you think you can help, use small words and dumb-person terminology.

Ok.

I downloaded uTorrent, I connected it to my proxy server (university server), connected to VPN (again, through university), found that which I wanted to download on Pirate Bay (the complete Sims 3 games, don't judge me, I am weak and flawed), and set off the process, at which point the torrent began to download fairly steadily.

This went for 24 hours, at which point the VPN cut out because that is the maximum amount of time that one may be connected to it. Download was up to a little over 80%. I reconnected VPN, but the download did not resume.

I ran the uTorrent speed and network tests. To the first I received the result: "Speed Test Failed. Connection failed error. Timed out. (10060)". For the second, the result was "Port is not open (you are still able to download)".

I have tried other torrents to see if that was the probelm, and nothing else downloads at all. My uTorrent is simply not working.

I know that other people have posted questions like this on here, but I wonder if my situation may be more unique in that I am connected to a proxy server and using VPN? There are no Windows 7 firewalls up. Symantec SHOULD be letting it through, right?

I am confused as to why it worked for a full 24 hours, and then would not reconnect?

Help me, Speed Problems Forum. You're my only hope.