Outlook Express in Windows ME

I’ve a machine with Win Me in which outlook express don’t function properly. If i open outlook and i try to send & receive email the program hangs on and the modem don’t dial anything. If I open my browser, the connection to my isp starts and worksand now I can retreive my mail trough outlook express. I’ve tired to remove outlook express and reinstall it, but I’ve not solved the riddle. Any suggestion?
Thanking very much…
Andy