I have been using AOL for 25 years and have seen many changes. They recently made another change on December 15, 2017, and sent a notification back in November.
You can no longer sign into AOL from your PC using an older version of their program. You now have to download a new app. In addition, you must subscribe and pay a fee, $5 a month, to use other AOL features as well as their desk top programming. They have discontinued AIM too.
i can use my AOL mail for no charge by using the new app on my phone or iPad, but I can no longer get into AOL by using the sign in screen on my desk top, nor can I read their news feed, etc. because I opted not to pay.