I E 5.5 on win98 delays URL search

I am using IE 5.5 on win 98. When I type in a URL in the address bar and click to search, IE browser and my winmodem just sit there for about 20 seconds before it starts finding the site. Is there a setting that controls this? Do I need to upgradeto IE 6? Is IE 6 any better?

Frustrated,
richrat2