try to run Modem Helper.

modem helper is a program of Dell that diagnoses your modem and try to fix any software or modem driver issue. if not it will some what give you an idea on whats wrong with your connection.

Thanks for suggestion. Sadly for me...I've tried this and it says Modem is "probably" fine. I've also replaced the wires and ran a new phone line from outside...nothing seem to help. can this computer be a "DUD"???

modem could be bad or could just not play nice with your ISP. ideally it'd be good if you had another ISP or number you could try dialing.

Hi. I have 5 numbers I can call and I have tried 3 or 4 so far...but all with the same bad results. But I thank you for your suggestion. And am wondering...do these DELL computers sometimes come with a bad modem...right out of the box??It disconnected the very first time it ever got on line. It wouldn't even get on line on ATT. The computer said the line was "busy" I hve no phone on my line, no fax and no call waiting. We had to use AOL. Again thanks for suggestions.

it's always possible for something to be broken...