FTP - can't receive directory

Recently I've run into a problem accessing files on my FTP server (ftp.normandie-chambres.co.uk hosted by Streamline.net).

I usually access using Whisper's FTP Surfer. I have checked it is in PASV mode, the FTP settings and password are all okay. I thought it could be the Windows Firewall (I run Windows XP Home) or a blocked port but Port 21 is open and I have tried disactivating my firewall completely with no effect.

I've tried accessing the FTP server using Internet Explorer and typing the ftp address but that doesn't work either. All I get is the same little torch as I see in FTP Surfer swinging back and forth in the middle of the screen.

I gave a friend my FTP server access details and he was able to access my files from his home PC okay. I'm also on a home PC, not a network.

Once in a maybe 50 attempts I am able to get through to the server and upload a file before it fails again. But normally I get the following message when I try to access with FTP Surfer:

PASV
227 entering passive mode
LIST 150 accepted data connection

Then further down in the status bar it says:
Receiving directory 0.00 bytes at 0.0k/s

Occasionally it says something like:
Receiving directory 8,700.00 bytes at 4.0k/s
then the receiving rate gradually dwindles to zero.

Net result, I can't see any files to access.

I'm not well versed in these matters - does anyone have any idea what may be wrong? I was wondering if it could be a routing problem through my ISP but I don't really have a clue what to do.

Phil