PCMCIA port Causing Freezes, restarts, and disconnections

I have a 5000e Inspiron (Windows 98) and lately have been having issues with the PCMCIA port. I have a Xircom 10/100 modem/Ethernet card. I noticed approximately a month ago, my computer would randomly disconnect (when using the modem), freeze up, or restart. I associated this with the card itself and got a new one but am still experiencing the same difficulties.

When dialed in using the modem,

1. Disconnections often
2. Freeze ups and the only way to fix is shut off and reboot.
3. Restarts itself without warning.

Using the Ethernet

1. Freeze ups and can be remedied by popping the card out
Popping the card back in usually renders it in use again but many times it doesnt even register that the card was put back in (denoted by a chime). Only way for it to detect the card is to reboot.
2. Restarts itself without warning.

I am completely perplexed. I am starting to believe it is a port or motherboard problem. I have downloaded all up to date drivers from Dell and none of these has worked obviously.

I have noted though, it seems like a temperature dependent phenomenon. The longer I have my computer on, the more this occurs. I have had a few incidents where it has happened soon after turning on but not typically.

I am open to all offers of help and assistance. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

YOu said that removing the card --- stops the problem..
But I consider that you should check that your processor has been properly connected to your headsink..

Try to use a good coolent or heatsink compound and then see what happens??