I have a Compaq CPU with windows 98. I just recently moved. I am using
dial up service (AOL). I have Verizon as my phone provider. I live in
Pennsylvania.

So I got the computer all set up. But now when the phone line is
connected to the phone jack and to the computer it immediately opens
up the phone line and therefore anyone who tries to call me is getting
a busy signal. This is happening with the computer OFF too! What this
also means is that when I have the computer on and try to dial up, I
can not because by the time I try to dial up, the dial tone has
expired and the computer just ?hears? dead air.

How do I resolve this??

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Clarification of Question by rexkab-ga on 10 Jun 2005 17:31 PDT

Thanks for your help ucanotdothat-ga. 

I have tried switching the phone line. It sounds from your information
it must be a bad phonecard. I guess I can get this at a BestBuy???

Why would a phonecard go bad?

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Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 10 Jun 2005 18:30 PDT

The phonecard is actually the modem.... Here's a picture:

http://www.j-1computers.com/images/Pics%20for%20config%20page/56x%20Data%20Fax%20Modem.jpg
The phone plugs into one of these on the back of your computer.

They cost about $10 bucks these days. Go to a used computer store to
get one. Shut down your computer. - Unplug it. - Take the cover off,
find the matching piece, remove bad modem, seat the new one into the
slot the bad one was in, screw the new one down like the other one
was, put the cover back on, ...all done.

~~Cynthia

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Clarification of Question by rexkab-ga on 11 Jun 2005 04:45 PDT

Thanks Cynthia! 

kabrex

With the computer off, the phone line is open,it sounds like the 
phone card is bad, definetly!
I have gotten new cards for about 20$, take it with you when you
get the new one to make sure the plug in slot is the same.

PS: Have you tried switching the phone line jacks at the computer 
since there are two connections, they are not in the wrong jacks?

Why the phone card went bad:
It could have a stuck relay holding the line open,
or some electrical discharge from static or near by 
lightning that fried the circuitry, or somthing else,
or when moving, the card is now loose in the slot?
  Mabye get a phone line surge protector to help protect
your new card.