Instructions
Make sure you are connected to the Internet. If you are using a wired connection, make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged in to the back of the console. If you are using a wireless connection, go to the Internet Connection utility under the "System Settings" menu, and run a wireless connection test.
Check the status of the PlayStation network. The PlayStation Network can go down periodically because of congestion or system maintenance. Go to the official PlayStation Network website to check the network's status (see Resources for a link).
Use physical media to update the console. You can download the firmware update from the official PlayStation Network website onto a physical storage device (such as an SD card or USB mass storage device.) Then plug the device into the PlayStation 3's data ports. The update should launch automatically. If not, then your operating System is corrupted and you need to contact Sony support at (800) 345-7669.