Regarding credit/debit cards (uk) what is a 3d authentication code?

I am trying to purchace an item online using my maestro debit card and i keep getting an error message saying my 3d authentication code has failed, plz could someone tell me what this means? thank you :)
Answer
Turn the card over so the signiture strip is facing you. on the strip (with your signiture) their is another number. the last 3 digits is your 3d authentication code. its suposed to stop card cloneing.