mail will not accept my password

it's "smtp" ...

 

Look up the password in keychain access, I've had to do that a few times.
It's in the apps, utilities folder.

 

Two things to try;
1. Be ABSOLUTELY sure that caps lock is not on.
2. Try unticking 'use SSL' in advanced under preferences.

 

If it is MobileMe, then that usually means your account has expired. The program just gets an error and reports back of an incorrect password. If you signed up when you first got your Mac then it is a 6 month trail.

Otherwise, if that isn't the case and a dialog is popping up asking you for the pass, retype it in the account settings under Mail preferences. If the password is saved incorrectly it could be conflicting with whatever your typing (as in, ignoring it completely). That used to be an issue, at least.

Try accessing the account through your web browser to see if it is working properly.