install modem in Win ME - Dell computer

Dell P3 - 864 running Win ME reformated HD and reinstalled OS everything went OK until I got to the modem. Installed Modem drivers -conexant sf-1156iv/r9e from Dell site (and several others) computer recognized modem on boot up, drivers install but modem does not show up in Control Panel - MOdem listing. Click on diagnostic and find Com 1 -no modem, Com 3 followed by a blank space, click on blank space and More Info and get the correct Diag Info for the modem. Modem also shows up in Device Manager. Have tried installing it in 3 or 4 different ways. Tried a new conextant modem with same results, tried a modem with an Intel chipset and the computer would not even turn on. Tried an U.S. Robotics external USB modem with same result as with Conextant modems. No modem listed in modem listing. Tried to disable COM 1 in BIOS but it won't disable. Reinstalled ME - no luck
Checked with all the Tech's where I work, no answers. Tried E-mailing Dell twice, no answer
open to any suggestions
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