USR modem problem: becomes inactive erratically

[se74]

Not so long ago I got a used computer having an internal, US Robotics, 56K, PCI "Performance Pro" modem (model 5610-02 aka 5610-B). In this computer I installed 2 OSs on the single HDD: Win98 1st Edition and Linux. I had the same modem problem with both OSs. The problem is that I can connect to the Net but the modem becomes inactive unpredictably. It can work fine for a minute or two or for a few hours but then suddenly becomes inactive: nothing freezes up but I can't send or receive email nor go to any website. When this happens with Win98, my Win98 Net connection icon says the connection is there. Also, when this happens, I found that if I pick up the nearby phone handset (which is on the same phone line as the modem) I hear modem connection sounds. I usually listen to one or two sets of these modem connections sounds, put down the phone handset, and find that the modem is OK again: I can use email and go to any website. [Remember, this same problem occurs *in the same computer* when I used the Linux OS with this modem.]

I recently took out this modem and put it in another computer which runs Win98 1st Edition as OS. The same problem occurs.

I contacted US Robotics about this but all they tell me to do is update my BIOS. I did that but the problem has not gone away.

Does anyone here know what could be wrong and how this is fixed? [I believe I have the latest drivers for this USR modem.] Is there some unusual or common setting that has to be changed or set somewhere? [I have this modem now only for a Win98 1st Edition computer.]


Thanks

[Tumbleweed36]

Hi,

Try this modem in PCI #3 (third slot down from the graphics slot). Also, Make sure if you are using Win98, or win98se, or WinMe that you have the PnP setting in your bios setup menu set to Enabled. If you use WinXP, then set PnP to disabled.