I am a complete Linux virgin, so please make any help simple to understand!

I have installed Xandros Desktop 3 OC on a laptop, which originally has ME as the operating system.

Xandros installed smoothly, dividing the hard-drive with no problem. The difficulty is that it does not seem to recognize the built in modem. It asks to search, and comes up with '0' as the number of suitable drives. If I go to manual search I am offered modems which do not match the one on the lap-top. I have tried some, but it reacts as if there is not one there at all.

There is no problem with the "side by side" ME system. It recognizes the modem and I am able to install my ISP settings and connect to the internet without problem.

I used Xandros on the recommendation of the Sunday Times, where the writer had installed it on a relatives lap-top. I am just wondering about the disc supplied - does the word "Desktop" have any significance, whereas I am using a lap-top? Any help to get this installed would be appreciated. Without a net connection I am very limited as to my use of Linux

im assuming you have installed Xandros
if so open up a console and type "lspci -v"
(without the quotes)

it will give you info about all the pci devices you have
post the details of the modem and ill see if i can help you set it up