"can't connect" error, possibly DNS that we don't control

[Inner Child 77]

So we have a client and ther eare very security orientated so when the hosting was signed up they asked for a IP so they could create the A record. So now the problem lies in that webalizer doesn't work, I get a "page cannot be displayed". The PPWSE won't connect. Also I cannot ping the domain, ftp, or anything else. only with www in front or connect to the website unless I use the IP address or have the www in front. So I am assuming that I need them to let go a little on their end which I think they will do but I need to know what to tell them.

Any help?

IC