If the modem is external, ensure that the power switch is on. Restart Windows and continue with the following steps:

1. Click on the Windows Start button.
2. Point to Settings and select Control Panel.

3. Double-click the Modems icon.

4. Select the Diagnostics tab.

5. Click on the More Info button and wait for a response.
6. If Diagnostics returns data from the modem, then there is not necessarily a hardware problem.
   
   Note:  If it returns no data, the machine should be looked at by a qualified computer hardware technician.
   
    
7. Click on the Close button to exit.