DSL keeps dropping out

I've got:
Verizon ADSL thru a Westell ethernet modem to a Linksys router to a
(1) no-name P-IV 2.5ghz/512RAM (W98SE) and ZA's latest update and a (2) no-name P-III 600mhz/512RAM (W98SE). Both computers are shewn in the "trusted" zone of ZA.

The DSL connection keeps dropping on me, but what's truly disturbing is that once the DSL is restored to (1), (2) cannot get online, even tho (1) can, and even tho both boxes can see the other and share files with the other. Everything looks right in the router setup pages, which makes sense if they can see one another, but I just can't figure out why (2) can't see the internet connection. It was working just fine last nite.

I know I'm leaving out a bunch of info, so feel free to ask and I'll do my best to amend the above.

OK: 8 hours or so later, I'm still connected to internet via (1), but (2) not only can't connect via router/modem, now it can't see (1) on the network anymore... I'm about to pull my brains out my ear in frustration!

Maybe I should just box 'em up and take 'em back as being too stupid to own 'em?

 

Solved it... sorta.

It was the router, whose PPoE settings had been disconnected for some reason.... must have had a power fluctuation or the gremlins got it.... as soon as PPoE was restored, up came the internet connexion on (2), so that's that.

Now to figure out why (2) can't see (1) anymore, even though (1) can see (2).

Bloody computers... it's all a (censored) plot, d'ye ken?