opening links in an outlook email

When I try to access a web site link enbedded into an email received in Outlook 2003, the browser (Firefox) opens but only to the home page; it doesn’t take me to the desired website.
Ive tried with Internet Explorer with the same result.
My provider is Optimum Online. Ever since I began using Outlook as an additional email account, emails go to both the Optimum account and Outlook. However, I am unable to open the links in Outlook.