Hmm, I'm using USR 56k external Fax Modem Pro USB, works fine. I did have problem with using USB, it screwed up my joystick somehow! Hooked it up using the parallel port, works fine. Ram, have your friend try turning down the modem connect speed to 19,500. Also try all the other possible speeds if that one doesn't work. That and lowering the port settings to their lowest along with unchecking 'compress data' under the advanced tab curred my connections when Savis.net was choking AH. I had sorta the same problem during that 'week or two', where I could get in, but that was it, couldn't fly, until I 'tweaked' my modem settings. Good luck!
ts