Modem stopped working

What would cause a dial up modem to suddenly stop working? I bought a new computer with windows xp already installed. I am connected to the internet by DSL, but have also connected dial up modem in order to use fax. I installed Mighty Fax and for a while things worked just fine. I was able to send and receive faxes. The other day I turned on my computer expecting to send a fax and received the message from the fax software that it was "unable to open the specified communications port (com3). "
Windows Hardware wizard was unable to detect any modems connected to my computer. I checked my phone line and connections and everything was all right there. My anti-virus protection is running and updated. Do you have any idea what happened to my modem and how I can get it back.

 

Sounds like winmodem-type behavior. You've tried reinstalling the modem? How about a restore point from before the problem began?

 

you will need to reinstall the modemif it came with xp you should have the disc i had that problem the other day and just had to reinstall

 

Thank you both for your replies. I tried uninstall, reinstall, and the restore point - neither worked. However, I do not have a windows xp disc. I have system recovery and application recovery discs that came with my computer. Are these what is needed, or do I need to ask the manufacturer to send me a disc?