Can't Open Port

[gpse]

Hello all, Ever since I replaced my old Intel DP965LT mobo with this new ASUS P5K-E I noticed all my torrents will max out at around 250-260Kb/s. Also when I check if the port if forwarded correctly it says "Error Port "XXXXX" doesn't apper to be open. For trobuleshooting I connected the cable modem directly to the PC bypassing my Netgear WGR614v5 router and disabled the built in Vista firewall in the control panel. I still get the same error saying the port isn't open. Is there anything else in Vista that would cause the port to be blocked? Also this is what I have noticed with downloading torrents:

Vista 32-bit Intel mobo: fast downloads (700Kb/s), fast uploads (90Kb/s)
Vista 64-bit Intel mobo: fast downloads (700Kb/s), slow\intermittent uploads (20Kb/s)
Vista 64-bit Asus mobo: 250-260Kb/s max download, slow\intermittent uploads (20Kb/s)

My connection is 9Mb/s down, 1Mb/s up, also I don't think it's an issue with the hardware (mobo, router) but something software or a setting I have missed. This whole issue started once I installed Vista 64-bit, and only got worse with the new ASUS mobo. I'm almost certain there is a setting or service that needs to be changed in windows. The only difference I can think of with my 32-bit install and 64-bit install was with the 64-bit install I didn't touch any services, however with the 32-bit install I disabled some. uTorrent is using the same settings I always used so I don't think that is my issue.

 

[JackMDS]

Ports are always open. It is Routers, and or Firewalls that close them.

If you have Firewall and No Router than there is Nothing to open.

 

[RebateMonger]

Don't forget that ISPs can either block or speed-regulate ports.

 

[gpse]

When I check if the port is open using a port checking website it says the port it closed, also on my other computer running Win XP it's having no issue's so it's not the ISP.