While trying to close the account is certainly a problem (try contacting your bank and informing them automatic debits from your checking account shall no longer be honored/authorized), another problem will be trying to get the software off your computer!

I had an AOL account and after cancelling the account and using the Windows "remove software" tool, the program in full working order would continue to be available!

The way I got rid of the software was to never load AOL on my new computer!!!