Most likely the AOL software.  I don't mean this as a wise guy remark.  AOL software is known to be buggy and cause many problems.  You can try reinstalling the AOL software and/or if they have a later version try installing that.  But, AOL "marches to their own drummer" .

Can you get Bellsouth DSL Lite there for $24.95 a month? You know PeoplePC is cheaper than AOL and it all the same internet.Its no big deal to have AOL.PeoplePC is $14.95 with excelerator and you want run into problem,they have goog tech support.

I uninstalled all AOL software, modem, physically removed modem and reinserted it. The machine automatically reinstalled it on reboot and then I installed all of the AOL software again. It worked fine for two days but this morning it can't find the modem again. Any new ideas? Could the modem itself be bad? or do you suspect the AOL software?

Thanks.

How old is modem? What brand modem (I hope not U.S Robotics or Lucent Winmodem} Have any storms or power surges ( buy good $40.00 surge protector at newegg.com)If modeem is not dialing its toast.Computer will see it but,doesn't mean it's any good (see if Wal-Mart has a Broadxent modem,it worked best for me)AOL is not going to keep modem from dialing,what port is system in?

Coleen,what kinda of moden does machne have?If modem is not dialing or if you go into device manager and their is no modem conflicts or if modem is in a COM4 post it probably is history.I don't like Robotics or WinLT Modem.In my experience they we're crummy. Broadxent modem was system friendly.Modems are very easy to install.Let someone in you're family do it if you can't.Cost to much for local PC repair shop to put a simple modem in.Nte,if you have reinstall all programs such as you're internet provider and installed the modem software correctly then, more than likely you'e modem has failed.Modem has failed due to probably a storm with lighting and power going on and off or just a simply you're lights going on then out for a second.My DFI motherboard was killed that way,a simple power on then off and on again.Remember to get a good surge protector with the most joules,you'll find at newegg.com for $40.00.Don't buy a cheap one and think it will protect you're machine, it won't.I have a Cyberpower surge protector with 3600 Joules I bought from newegg.com for $40.00.Newegg is a trusted site for purchasing.CyberPower will replace youre machine if its their surge protector fault.Let us know if you have installed modem or not..

Thanks to all for your help and comments.  I figured before I went to the trouble of pulling and replacing stuff I know nothing about I would check into this buzzing in my phone line that started happening around the same time.  Well the phone company came yesterday and checked my line the buzzing stop and guess what, I can connect again.  My system is actually running faster than before - if you can a dial up of 36k fast (it was running at 23 before) but that's another story.  Thanks again!