Can you explain what error messages are appearing when you try to access Gmail? Have you tried the steps at Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox problems

Also, welcome to Firefox! Please update to the latest version Update Firefox to the latest release and read Get started with Firefox - An overview of the main features to get started :)

I cleared cookies and started in safe mode then updated plugins (java did not respond) did not try restarting Below is the contents of the box that show up when I try to sign in to Gmail

We've detected a problem with your cookie settings. Enable cookies

Make sure your cookies are enabled. To enable cookies, follow these browser-specific instructions. Clear cache and cookies

If you have cookies enabled but are still having trouble, clear your browser's cache and cookies. Adjust your privacy settings

If clearing your cache and cookies doesn't resolve the problem, try adjusting your browser's privacy settings. If your settings are on high, manually add www.google.com to your list of allowed sites. Learn more

See also:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Websites_report_cookies_are_disabled

What are your cookie settings?

• Tools > Options > Privacy > Firefox will: "Use custom settings for history"

Are you allowing all cookies or only some and use allow exceptions?

You can inspect and manage permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab via these steps:

• Click the "Site Identity Button" (globe/padlock) on the location/address bar
• Click "More Information" to open "Tools > Page Info" with the Security tab selected
• Go to the Permissions tab (Tools > Page Info > Permissions) to check the permissions for the domain in the currently selected tab