Modem Problem help please!!

[Shakiro]

I got this US Robotics 56k Voice Modem, and my problem is that everytime I want to connect to my ISP, it says that there is no "dial tone". First of all, the ISP is OK. I ran the modem diagnostics, it was OK. I removed it and installed again in different slot and still "no dial tone". I replaced the cables and nothing. BUT, I've noticed something weird. When I press the button "Connect" and after it says "no dial tone", I unplugged the cable in the back of the computer and plugged again, and I pressed "connect".. pufff!!... it works!! I don't know why that behavior but it is annoying because everytime I hang up and I want to use the internet again, I have to do the process of unplugging the cable.

I'll really appreciate any help. Thanks!

 

[Willoughbyva]

Are there updated drivers for your modem?

 

[Shakiro]

Yes, I went to US Robotics website and they said that the drivers of WinXP and Win2000 are already in the OS.

Also, I forgot to tell you something. The day I got this problem was after a thunderstorm. I wasn't in my house by that time, but when I came back I knew the power was shut-off for a minute or two and came back again, and when it came back all the telephones in my house didn't work (no dial tone). I called the phone company and they told me everything was alright, so I checked the PC and there was the problem that I mentioned before. The modem keeps the line in my house open, so I have to manually hang up to make a new call.

If there's any solution or comments... please tell me. Thanks again.

 

[mastertech01]

Lightning may have burned the contacts on the modem connection to your phone line. I got zapped a couple years ago and the cable connection to my WinTV was nearly welded together, but you could see no damage. Try replacing the phone cord first, and if that dont work remove the modem and inspect it closely. You may have to replace it.

 

[Double Trouble]

I'd have to agree with Mastertech on that one, there's a good chance something on your modem got fried, even if there is no direct indication of it. Modems get fried by lightning a lot more often than people think.

If the modem is still under warranty, you can try to get a new one from the manufacturer, but that's iffy.... definitely don't mention anything about a storm to them

 

[Shakiro]

Thanks guys for the suggestions!!

I did what you said MasterTech in replacing the phone cord, and still not working. Furthermore, I went to my cousin's house and I installed the modem there, and it did the same thing as in my house. So, it's definitely the modem. By the way, I checked the modem closely and didn't find anything weird at all, but like you said, sometimes you don't see the damage at naked eye. Oh well, I'll replace it 'cause the warranty alrealdy expired long time ago. Thanks anyway!!

 

[mastertech01]

I am an auto technician for Ford. We had a Taurus come in last week after being hit by lightning. THe only visual damage was the tip of the antenna for the radio and the cable to the antenna was burned off. However every electronic module in the car was dead or only partially functional. The repair bill as of today is about 5200.00. Lightning can do some awesome damage without being visually obvious to the naked eye to electronic devices.

 

[LayneLucero]

I have a similar problem with a USR model#2977 pci hardware modem. It connected on the first try after install, I shut the machine down and when I went to connect again, I got an error saying the modem was not responding properly. I removed it from the "Device Manager", re-started the computer and it regcognised new hardware, found the software for it and it connected fine. Still I have to remove it from the "Device Manager" before I shut it down or it won't connect the next time.
I bought it as an OEM from GoogleGear and it did not have any documentation or software. I downloaded the drivers fro the 3com website.
The Setup.exe will not run- it get an "illegal procedure" error and shuts it off. Any help would be appreciated.