[newbie] Modem Problems

[Jennifer Ricki Wise]

I just purchased an Actiontec modem that says it is good for dos, win
3.1, 95, nt and linux.
I installed according to the instructions using kddp. 
When querying the modem I either receive that the modem cannot be found
or its busy.
I've reloaded linux twice so far.
Anyone have any ideas. I'm at wits end.
Thanks
Jennifer