Computer Automatically Disconnects from Internet

[mike_n]

I have a Dell Dimension 8100 PC, Pentium 4, 1.3 Ghz, 256MB RAM, 60 Gig hard drive running on Windows ME and Internet Explorer 6.?. I access the internet using Cox broadband cable. My problem is that my PC automatically and consistently disconnects from the internet 60 minutes from the time I power up the PC. If I power up, work off line for say 30 minutes, then go on the internet, I will lose my internt connection 30 minutes later. Happens like clockwork. When I attempt to reconnect, I receive the message "This page cannot be displayed". I do NOT have this problem when I use my Dell Inspiron 1100 Laptop running on Windows XP. Consequently, I don't think it's a Cox problem, but rather a problem with the Dell 8100, but not being very computer savvy, I have not been able to figure out a solution.

[Peccavi]

May it  be the options :
1.Disconnect if idle for X minutes   or
2.Disconnect when connection may no longer be needed

(Control Panel-->Internet Properties-->Connections-->Settings-->Advanced) ?

[dl65]

 mike n.... Has it always been like this on the Dell Dimension 8100 PC ?
Has this pc ever been used with a dialup connection ?

dl65  

[Fed]

Start>Settings>Control Panel>Network & Dialup connections.
Double click on your connection & check Properties>Options, you will see the problem there.

[mike_n]

mike n.... Has it always been like this on the Dell Dimension 8100 PC ?
Has this pc ever been used with a dialup connection ?

dl65  

The problem began a couple months ago.
No, this PC has never had a dial-up connection, in fact, it has no dial-up modem, just broadband cable.