dial-up

OK, I realize that dial-up internet is unreliable, but this
is ridiculous. Lately I have been experiencing a lot of
connection problems. The error message that occurs after an
unsuccessful dialing is completely random, and when Windows
says that I am connected, I try to open a page online, but
it doesn't work and gives me an error message. All the
modem and dialing properties are correct, and it is not a
cable or jack problem, so I am assuming that I got a virus
or something. I got all of the Windows updates, ran
anti-viruses and the whole deal, but to no avail. Please
send help before I put my head through my monitor. Thanks, Mat.