Windows detects UART/COM/Serial Port 2, and detects my modem on it without any forced detection, -- thus, my modem is plug n play. BeOS feels otherwise. Even if I try to install it as a jumpered device it won't detect COM2, and if I switch any modem realted BIOS settings it might screw with my config for windows (ugh i spent three days in win2k trying to add a LAN card and modem), surely this is encountered before? I have a Soyo 1336VBA motherboard, via chipset, thats about all that should affect it.

Is it an internal or external modem? First of all, to make hardware detection easier for BeOS you should turn off PNP in the BIOS. This could help in both cases. If it's an internal modem take a look at this page: http://www.users.qwest.net/~lfowler3/BeOS.html

Hey thank you, that helped. BTW For others of you out there who are encountering the same type of problem, make sure your modem (if internal) doesnt have any jumpers on it for pre-defined port or IRQ settings! when I took mine off BeOS detected it, and windows stopped having a hard time with it! btw it was internal, thanks again, that link helped.