internet problems

The computer is a precision 380 w/ windows xp with sp2. When i connect to the net i can surf fine but the computer has never realized it is connected. It does not show the two little computers in the taskbar and while connected if you go start >connect to> show all connections> the account i have created shows disconnected. If you right click the account and click properties the little box is checked (show icon in taskbar). The only way disconnect from the net is physically pull the phone line out. I then get the screen link failed. I have erased and made this account several times with the same thing happening over and over. The computer has 2 com ports that are in use and the modem properties showed it listed as com3. This com does not show up under device manager. I uninstalled the modem and reinstalled and it is now listed under com port 5. This com port does not show under device manager. I'm assuming its a virtual port and it is normal not to show up. I also created a new user account and it is the same way. i have went under modem diagnostics and queried the modem and it does see it. I tried to use the connection network trouble shooter and when i tell it to scan and diagnose problems it goes to the next screen and nothing happens. It just shows 0%. I'm also needing PC anywhere to work on this and it is not seeing a connection even tho the modems sound like they are communicating(I have 3 seperate phone lines and going straight modem to modem)PC anywhere will not work and i really need to get all this going. Please help me!