Bad 56k Modem???

Takes 2-7 trys to dial in.Modem makes funny dialing noises during dail up when it does not connect.my configuration is correct.is modem failing?modem is on gateway 9 months old.used alot.freei.net is isp dont beleive that is the problem though.is it hardware,software?use ie5.5 browser.where is my problem???????????????Ps.sometimes when dial up is unsucessful i get a error mess.check my config.then i try again it works?