Stop listening to whoever told you that crap.
Try uninstalling the modem, then reinstalling it.
Also, be sure to test that phone jack and the cord with a normal phone to make sure it works.
After getting rid of AOL and setting up with another internet provider I get a no dial tone message. At the device manager modem has no conflicts. I have a compaq presario 1800 laptop with Xp Pro. I hear that AOL disables the modem. I would like to find a way to fix the problem without having to reinstall windows altogether.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic