modem problems?

I don't know if this is the correct forum but I'll ask the question here first.

As well as the CMOS problems I am having with a friends PC, see HERE I am also having problems getting the modem to work.

I have re-installed the modem with the correct driver and also checked to make sure that it is seated correctly. When I go into Modem Options via control panel and query the modem via the Diagnostics tab it appears that the modem is being recognised and working. When I use Hyperterminal it says that the modem is ok but when I try to locate a dialling tone it says there isn't one.

I have checked all the cables and know that the cable is ok as it connects using my dial up otion on my PC. Which also means that the connection sockets away from the PC in question are functioning. However when the modem on my friends PC is connected to a telephone socket it stops all the phones in the house working and BT say there's a loop problem. As soon as the modem in question is disconnected and I re connect my PC's modem all the phones work in the house.

Is it a faulty modem which is grabbing the line?

How can I check the modem away from it's current PC to see if it works?

Any ideas on how to get things working or is it a new modem??

 

new modem

 

Thanks Dugg , and bugger