The only other thing I can think of is that the web host has over hardened his PHP.

Please have the host check the php.ini and see if the "popen" function is disabled.

First thing that is probably causing the cannot connect issue is that your host is blocking the UDP outbound 5499 port.
Also, The ventrilo_status file needs to be set to 755, or if you have SSH access "chmod +x ventirlo_status"

Next you will need to make sure that you set up the administrative options on your Ventrilo (I added the server to my test site and did not receive the information)


If that does not work, then let me know and I can assist with some testing.

What time can I get online with you on Vent?

I am in USA EST

I am in the process of investigating using one of the php safe functions.  I will be getting to it next week.