installed a CDRW on the desktop yesterday. My win98 had not been reimaged or updated for about 3-4 years. The "add new hardware" icon had long ago disappeared also, thought I would be safe just inserting the CD that came with the burner and letting it self install. (too lazy to reload Windows LOL) It didnt work, so I ended up reloading Windows. Well it worked, the Burner installed properly and worked. IT seems to have moved my modem to another port though, Modem shows up on COM3, I am almost positive that it used to be on COM2. Well now it makes the noises, connects but IE cant seem to realize that there is a connection there. I can connect to the same ISP with this notebook PC, so I know it isnt the ISP. Its DeJaVue for me, I know I have been down this road before but I am missing the right turn somewhere. Can anyone point me the right direction, (besides upgrading to XP lol) before i head to the funny farm?

Thanks

Been there, done that, but for the life of me can't remember how I fixed it!! I'll be thinking and researching, tho.

BTW, did you add the CD-RW on, or replace another drive?

I just plugged it into the USB port. IT was a temp thing, its already been used, completed it task, and uninstalled. I know I have had to fight this same problem before. I tried changing the settings of the modem manually back to COM2, then rebooting, still no luck. I think I may have to reinstall the modem. Ironically, the whole reason for the burner was to save files for a format and a reload. Lots of BSOD'* lately, icons disappearing ETC. Its just a 233 Pentium (yes I will upgrade SOMEDAY, I promise LOL) money spent on the PC is money NOT spent on the auto fixations, and I cant have THAT lol Still, its only been one day, I am already tired of huddling over this little notebook heheh.

First time I ever used that USB port too!

98 or 98SE? 98 didn't particularly care for USB as far as I remember. Oh, and external Modem??

internal modem and 98 (no extra flavor). Younger brother is the PC guru in the family, I will see if I can sweet talk him into looking at it tomorrow.

If you can get your hands on at least SE before you reformat, do it. If you need SE, let me know. I found an old copy cleaning out some of my crap today.

Thanks! Little Bro started beating the "upgrade hardware and OS" drum a couple of months ago with me, He used to run 98SE too.

Try taking the modem out, starting your computer then check the device drivers and see what it says. Then shut it down, put the modem back in and turn it on and see what happens.