steve -
1. a pci modem will use a com port, that's normal. And it is confusing.
You may have to uninstall a COM port from W2k before installing the
modem, and let W2k install the port for the modem.
1A. Check Device Manager to see if there's an unknown device that might
be your modem - but not identifiable as such by W2k. You may be able to
fiddle with that device's settings as displayed and get the modem to be
recognized. In that case you may have to supply a W2k-specific driver
for it to get it fully installed (see below.)
2. the modem must have a W2k-specific driver. The manufacturer's website
is the best place to look first. If not there, then at any one of
several websites that specialize in collections of drivers; there's at
least one that specializes in modem drivers.
3. if it's an older modem and you can't determine who made it, look
carefully on the modem card itself - the name may be there. If not, then
write down the FCC number and the [usually] large main chip ID. While
you are examining the modem look very carefully for jumpers (and record
their settings, both IRQ and address, if there are any, and even a
pumper that controls "PnP" vs "jumpered" and note how it's set). You may
have to fiddle with these, or specify to W2k which IRQ/address to use.
4. then google for the abovementioned online driver-collection sites.
Use search arguments like "modem driver collection" and similar. Find a
site that offers a page you can use to identify the modem from its FCC
number (you can also do this at the FCC website.)
5. If knowing the modem manufacturer gets you nowhere, then find a
driver site that can display modem drivers by chipset. Sometimes, for
example, a W2k driver for a different modem with the same chipset will
work correctly.
6. If at all possible, find using google a modem manual with a "how to
install" description.
7. You may never find the driver you need; that's very possible with an
older modem.
This is a prolonged arduous process but it has worked for me. It's a
bitter but educational experience.
