My Pentium 200, 64 MB RAM, 2 GB HDD runs Windows 98. Previously the set up was a Pentium 75 with a 56k Tasmanian Devil external modem working and connected to the net. Since upgrading the computer and installing a SVGA video card, the modem won’t work. Wiping the hard drive and installing the modem again has not fixed the problem. Can you help?

From the description of your problem I assume that the modem installs fine but the modem won’t dial-out and connect to your ISP. Firstly, try connecting your modem to another computer to see if the problem has to do with your computer in particular, or the modem itself. If the modem doesn’t work on the other computer, the problem may be a faulty modem. However, make sure that you are using the correct drivers for your modem. I have seen modems not work correctly because the incorrect driver was installed. If you are installing the modem with the generic Windows driver, try searching the internet for a specific driver for your modem. Alternatively, if you are using a specific manufacturer’s driver for your modem, try installing the generic Windows driver. If after trying the different types of drivers, the modem still does not work, I am at a loss to know what could be causing the problem. Hardware wouldn’t be the problem as you can install your modem fine. Software also wouldn’t be a problem considering you have recently formatted your hard drive and reinstalled Windows.