Modem Problem

I am installing a new modem ” Hi-VAL 56K” Modem. It’s a data/fax modem for windows98. The problem is i used every port available to try to get this thing to work – it simply want work. For com1 i’m getting a error “Couldn’t open port” and this is the same for all the port i am using. I updated the driver, but windows98 telling me I’m already using the best driver. The modem is secure inside, the phone line is attached okay. Do anybody have any ideas on what i can do to get thing to work? I noticed also that this is not a popular modem…but it’s new. Thanks for your help!!!!