What is your anti-virus software?

Anti-virus software is System Mechanic Professional.

Try to start *Windows* in safe mode with networking enabled.

- Win8 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-including-safe-mode

- Win7 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode

- XP http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx

Still in Windows safe mode, start Thunderbird in safe mode.

- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/safe-mode

Does the problem go away?

Running in safe mode Mozilla responded promptly like i would expect. I am running Windows 8.1. Should i try disabling my anti-virus and or contact their company?

You should not disable your anti-virus, however, you should tell it not to scan the Thunderbird profile folder. http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Thunderbird

Also don't let it scan attachments. Don't let it scan incoming and outgoing messages. And don't let it intercept your secure connection to the server.

If you have difficulties to make those changes, it is probably a good idea to contact the vendor.