Compaq Modem Problem

Here is the senerio, I have a Compaq Presario with an HCF Rockwell 56.6 modem on windows 98 SE. Whenever I disconnect and someone calls the computer freezes and can only be restarted. Also if I try to print from the internet to a NEC printer, oncethe page prints I can no longer move around on the internet and have to reconnect to use the internet again. I am using internet explorer 5.5 with the latest downloads and whatnot. I dont know if these to are related or not. I am open to any suggestions.