Problems with home network & internet through DSL modem

[benfranklin]

I have a newer Dell desktop running XP Pro. I get DSL from the local phone company (Qwest) using their modem (Actiontek). I plugged a backup computer (an older Dell running Windows ME) into the modem, and could get internet access and could network between the two computers.

After a few months of working fine, the older computer started losing its connection to the modem more and more. The green indicator light for each port on the modem is solid green when a computer is plugged in and working. The modem light for the older computer flashes rapidly when the connection is not working. It would work intermitantly after rebooting the computer or the modem, but the length of time it was not making the connection grew longer and longer, and now it never seems to work. I have called Qwest tech service, and they tried to help me without success.

Is this problem because of the older operating system? Is there any solution other than an upgrade to another XP machine? Thanks.