Connecting to the Internet via dial up

I was given a used laptop from a relative, who had wireless internet connection.  I am now trying to connect to the internet using my internet provider, and we are using a dial up connection. The computer is a inspirion 2600 with Windows XP. I plugged in my telephone line to the laptop, but nothing happens. There is an internal modem, but the person who gave it to us has been too busy to help me out. Does anyone have any suggestions if I can even connect this computer via dial up?

Rainbow3