Modem driver for Linux

I purchased a E521 in June & though it came with Vista I was told by 4 different Dell sales people that the internal modem would also work with Linux. Guess they really wanted to see me the computer. It is a Dell/Conexant PCI modem. I have tried various distros of Linux including Ubuntu, but unable to get a connection. I saw a driver listed on this forum but it was for a laptop. Thanks for any help.