Connection Problems

I am running Windows ME on an AMD Athlon 800mhz. I recently installed a network card in preparation for DSL. Ever since the network card install my 56k modem reliability is less then desirable. Sometimes my internet connection works just fine…meaning, If I goto a URL or click on a link it takes me their immediately…and other times I can wait up to a minute or two before it responds. When it seems not to respond I can check my email and it will say “connecting” and sit on that screen..then all of a sudden I jump to the URL I choose and my email checks itself just fine. I have tried to figure this problem out for the past 2 weeks with no luck. I HOPE somebody can help me here.

Thanks,

Michael