modem question.

[Paul Heeney]

I have an SupraExpress 56i pro internal (winmodem) which is attached to COM3. I have a mouse attached to COM1 on my windows side. When i try to add an external modem (pace microlin) i get "modem busy/can`t find modem) I do not appear to have a COM2, or it isn`t enabled in my Bios. Can I get my external modem to work with linux without having to enter my Bios, which i would be extremely anxious about?               Paul