modem won't maintain connection

[rmc63]

not sure which forum to post my problem but here it goes... i have an h/p presario 3500 that i had to run the quick restore discs on due to a virus. anyhow, i live in the sticks and don't have dsl or cable so i have to use dial-up, and i use aol. after running the quick restore i reloaded aol 9.0, and now anytime i use internet explorer the modem loses the connection and tries to redial, usually without reconnecting and aol's list of possible problems pops up (check phone line, etc). any ideas?

[Fed]

Set up a dialer using the Internet Connection Wizard.
Start>Programs>Accessories>Communications>Internet Connection Wizard.

Remove the AOL crap.

Set IE to 'Never Dial a Connection'.
IE>Tools>Internet Options>Connections>Never Dial a Connection.

Then make sure you aren't compromised.

Online Virus Scan and Spyware Scan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm

Highly recommended second Online Malware Scan
http://www.ewido.net/en/