Computer dropping connection issues

hi i have a dell dimension 3000 with windows xp with verizon dsl and it keeps losing its internet connection for a few minutes at random times none of the other computers or devices hooked up to the router lose their connection when my dell dimension 3000 loses its connection usally after a few minutes the connection restores itself and others i need to unplug it from the router and plug it back in ... im hoping its just a matter of changeing some of the settings any help would be appreciated before my wife throws it out the window lol