Derek

I may have a solution for you, follow this link. It will take you to a page for Pennsylvania Linux User Groups.

Linux User Groups are like "Linux Clubs" where people ranging from total newbies through to absolute gurus can meet up to discuss Linux related issues, talk about how to do things and many of them have meetings where you can bring along your pc and get help configuring it. Basically, I think you should make contact with your nearest ones and see if they have those meetings.

This means that you can get help doing the install and they can see what's happening and where you may be going wrong.

Does this sound like what you need?

If you need more informational links for modems, go here.

The first half of Fancypiper's post has about 10 links - one of which is for someone who has managed to get his modem up and running and says how he did it.

(Personally I think Fancypiper spends all his spare time compiling links to other sites - he can normally give around 10 for any question asked!)

Hopefully though you'll find a local LUG who can give you help.