Yeah, most server instability issues are usually fixed one or two weeks after launch, other bugs are sorted out usually within a month, then they start implementing new features.
At any rate, I would start with what the previous poster said - first restart your machine. Double-check your Internet connection (especially if you have a firewall). If it's still not working trying scanning the files with a scandisk-like utility. After that you may need to re-install, but first check SOE knowledge base. I think there's some info on known issues at EQ2players site (there's a link from the patching screen, don't remember the exact address).
If the file scanning when you first start the game is taking a while, defrag your hard drive - that sped up my scanning time significantly.