Modem problem

My fax software starts (on boot up) and complains that the (USB) modem is

already in use. The hardware / software has worked OK for some time and has

only recently shown this error. I am not aware of any hardware / software

change (although, obviously, something has changed). I get round the

problem by booting up with the USB modem disconnected. When re-connected

the fax software recognises it and everything is OK. This is not much of a

problem but I would like to be able to avoid this fiddle. Any suggestions

please?

Thanks.

Bill Ridgeway