Usb modem has connection, computer won't connect to internet?

Question

this is my sisterswork machine and its been giving her grief.

it runs a 3rd part firewall but she tried disabling it

speedtouch usb alcatelbroadband modem

xp machine not running ie 7

wont connect to the internet

modem has active connection to isp, and its diagnostics say is happy

i don't understand the problem and i can't get to the machine, does anyone here have any ideas?

Answer 1

are her username & password correct?

Is 'work offline' checked in ie's Tools menu?

Answer 2

enter...google.com into the address bar, press enter