You can definitely change your settings so that the computer does not auto-sleep. Check your Control Panel -> Hardware -> Energy alternatives (or some such, I'm translating from my Swedish Vista).
... and in other news - success! I've managed to connect to the game now!
Btw, I don't see the point of using a Game Password, it's just one extra thing to remember to write. Having the passwords on the nations will do just fine.
bobbyboy = ben. Lol 4 connectors, 11 to go.