Windows doesn't see external modem

[Relztrah]

I recently installed an old U.S. Robotics external FaxModem on a computer I’m tinkering with running Win 98SE. I successfully installed on COM 1. After rebooting I go to Control Panel>Modems>Diagnostics>More Info. The lights on top flicker so I know there is some signal between computer and modem. But eventually I get the “Your modem failed to respond…” message.

I downloaded the driver for this specific modem from the U.S. Robotics Web site and saved to a floppy, so I’m using the most recent driver. The modem is plugged into a serial port and set to COM 1. IRQ shows no conflict. The DIP switches are set—as far as I know—at factory settings but I don’t know for sure and wouldn’t know what to set them on anyway.

Any suggestions?

[Relztrah]

I noticed on my genuine U.S. Robotics adapter at home that it is 9V AC whereas the one I connected to the machine in question is 9V DC. Could that be part of the problem? The modem I'm asking about seems to work normally and the power light comes on when turned on.

[ziba-june]

Check your CMOS and see if your COM1 is active. Also check the connection on your motherboard to see if the port you have connected your modem is actually COM1.

[Relztrah]

This is a Dell Opitplex GXI model #DCM that doesn't give any F1 or DEL option to enter SETUP. It boots directly to Windows after RAM check. None of the usual keystrokes access CMOS or I would check it. Any ideas?

Also I don't know how to check the connection on the motherboard to see if the port actually COM1. Please provide diretions so that I can check that.

Thanks,
Relztrah