I got that same problem too. It really was fine until about a week ago like you said…
Well, PSN Blog just had an update and it seems they are testing the new firmware v3.61. I’m guessing that once that’s done they’ll start rolling out the online play for some territories.
"+ Posted by Eric Lempel // VP, Sony Network Entertainment
We have been working on a new PS3 system software update that requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored. The update (v3.61) is mandatory and is available now.
If using a PS3, your password can only be changed on your own PS3 (or a PS3 on which your PSN account was activated), as an added layer of security. If you have never downloaded any content using your account on the system, an email will be sent to the registered sign-in ID (email address) associated with your account when you first attempt to sign-in to PSN. This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password. In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password.
We strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online. The release of this update is a critical step as we work to make PlayStation Network significantly more secure. Thank you for your continued support and patience."
According to the map available on the blog it should be up in the US now.
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/05/14/play-on-–-psn-restoration-begins-now/
Wow, three updates on the same day. CA isn’t up yet I guess. Oh well, i’ve got a lot more important stuff to do anyhow. I’ll check back in a couple of hours. :rock:
Lets get hype ladies and gentlemen
PSN is online here in New York. :rock:
THE MAP TURNED GREEEEEN
OMFG
c
Alright! Super Street Fighter 4 Online, Here I come!
Playstation is SLOWLY recovering. However, Playstation Store is unavailable. Enjoy your online game play for the moment.
NEITHER IS UR STREAM
c
Please visit http://blog.us.playstation.com for further information about the situation.
If you are wondering about the 30 days PSN +. You will have to activate it when Playstation Store is up and running. Keep in mind that PSN will have it a limited time (so get it asap). If you have PSN + already. I am unsure if it will add up. An example. If you have the 1 year. You might get an extra month added to it. That includes those who got the 3 months packet instead. Please use this thread for those who has their account up and running.
Please be patient. Due to high volume. You will not get an instant e-mail to reset your password.
I know this is great news for everyone but DAMN everyone is going cu cu over this!! I predict maybe by 8am tomorrow morning every state will be online!!
so for us not living in the US we got:
“Please note that these services will take a bit of time to be turned on and rolled out to the whole region. The process has begun and some countries are being turned on now, so please be patient as we reach you.”
random msg of “some” countries. is there a list of countries somewhere??
Di,
Michigan’s PSN Is back!
well i guess uk just have to wait a lil longer… probably mid week for us…
can someone help me please. i have 3.60 and since i bought my ps3 all my updates were done through psn network.
Sony just tweeted that my region is back ON.
i tried to log in it says:
“the latest version of the system software is already installed”
“theres no need to update”
and it goes back to the main screen unsgined 
do i need to do this update manually through a storage device (USB)?? i thought psn would automatically update my system.
can someone tell me how it got restored for you? you guys did manual download and installation or was it done automatic through psn??
Di,
After the update has been installed, and goes back to the main menu, change your password. After that, you will have to sign on again, and it should work.
Omg its working now!
Glad to hear it’s working. Keep in mind that some of you players will have difficult time renewing your password. My brother is unable to get his working.
I did the firmware update last night & was able to log on(after the required password change) early this morning. XD