Although I use broadband on my Dell C521 PC, WinXP SP2, I wanted a dial-up facility for when broadband fails. I bought a USB 56k modem, but cannot connect to the Internet through this, having first of course shut down broadband.

Device Manager shows the modem, but with no indication of problems. The driver shows in Add/Remove Programs. Touchstone, via PC Pitstop, says I have the up-to-date driver installed. The symptom experienced is that the 'Calling ISP' display hangs and does progress to an Internet connection. I have rechecked both my login and password with my ISP.

I have also tried Hyperterminal, using first of all the dial-up PAYG number. After waiting before lifting the phone, I could then hear on the phone the familiar modem sounds, yet still no connection. On substituting the number of my mobile in Hyperterminal, my mobile rings and displays 'Private Number' as the caller. I have also tried the same steps with a different microfilter.

Any suggestions as to what to do now would be greatly welcomed!

   It could be that for some reason, your dialup company (the internet service provider) is not allowing you to connect.  I would suggest calling your dialup company and asking them what is wrong.  They should be able to walk you through the settings and troubleshoot what may be wrong.

Thanks for the advice Ray! They have just replied suggesting that I delete this DUN connection and set it up again, which I will try later today.