Your ISP's reliability, phone line quality, modem/dial-up software problems and message services are all possible reasons.

Not being able to connect can be incredibly frustrating as you sit waiting to get through to your ISP without knowing if you ever will!

The last thing you want is not to be able to connect when you are waiting for a crucial e-mail about a job interview or want to go online to grab a last minute concert ticket.

ISP Reliability

A good ISP service shouldn't keep you waiting to get online. These days most good ISPs answer your call first time every time!

Check that you are calling the right number by looking at their website (if you can!) or calling your ISP's technical support.

If the number's right and you just get an engaged tone when you dial your ISP - ditch them.

Finding a new ISP is simple enough. See our advice on how to find the best ISP for you.

Message services

Another common reason you may not be able to connect are message services.

If you use your phone company's answering services, like BT Call Minder or Call Waiting, and someone leaves a message then the tone often changes to a beeping sound rather than a constant dial tone.

Then when your modem tries to see if the phone line is available, it thinks that you or another modem are on the phone.

The remedy's simple: clear your messages and check that there's a constant normal dialling tone before trying to connect.