Among the computer headaches I’ve had lately is a snag I hit a few weeks ago. I confess I have dialup–I asked AOL about Broadband (finally), and they got cold feet about it.
Anyway, When I’ve tried to “initialize” the modem so as to log on, I get an error message “The modem is blocked from connecting.” Simply put, is this a problem with the modem itself or the computer or the telephone line leading in to it, or what? (The modem is external, meaning I can unplug it and replace it.)
Its AOL software doing it, it doesn’t mean a whole lot.
Perhaps the software had crashed and left the port locked.
Check the device manager to see if the port is still there and not in some funny state.
And see the following…
http://help.aol.com/help/microsites/microsite.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=222584
Also, AOL don’t sell broadband anymore, they only sold broadband in the UK anyway ?? or they stopped in the USA long enough ago its all forgotten
winsock problem?
AOL. Modem. Winsock.
Gad, for a happy moment I was back in the Fidonet TECH echo.
I opened this thread expecting it to be a zombie from 2000 and was shocked to find that its OP is only a few hours old.
9/10 for betraying my expectations.
Well, I guess I’m not the only one who still has dial-up after all.
Well, it’s a matter of finances and the fact that I don’t make the rules around here.
Well, I’m becoming more and more convinced that the USB ports on the computer “tower” are to blame; I attempted to reinstall the modem’s driver with its original disc–every time it has failed. 
You don’t have a broadband connection already or you wanted AOL to supply broadband? Years ago, I switched my AOL account to “bring your own access” since I was getting a mighty fine broadband connection dirt cheap.
AOL dial-up MAC user here. I have that problem and sometimes an additional one - when I start AOL it gets into “initialize” and just hangs around there for about 30 minutes or so. I’ve found both problems can usually be “cured” by crashing or restarting a couple times.
The last time AOL updated their program, seriously cleaned it up, was like 8 years back so at best what we have is a very outdated program no one is looking to fix. Get used to it or bite the bullet and shell out the bucks it takes for some version of higher speed.