After trying with numerous bank cards I decided to Google the message " 3d authentication fail". It appears that 3d is a security system against fraud . I telephoned the company Sage that runs this system and was advised that if I am receiving this message the company I am trying to pay has not got it set up correctly on their site . The man told me it can easily be rectified if they call Sage technical support but until that happens absolutely no one will be able to make a payment .
I'm going to try and call them again tomorrow and send another email.
At least I feel better knowing the problem lies with them and not me. When I last phoned they said they had issues with the site and it was down for maintenance, can't help but wonder if this is what they are trying to correct.
Perhaps if anyone else has this issue they could also send an email and phone call. If we bombard them they might pay attention .