I need serious help with my internet connection?

[neoprince226]

I have windows xp pro
a regular verizon dsl modem no router or nothing
i keep getting a limited or no connectivity connection i am able to connect to the internet and browse the web but my programs are unable to detect a internet connection like my p2p and ringtone programs and some others i have scanned my comp and no viruses came up a fwe adware but got rid of them multiple scans with different programs to make sure i got them all i have tried ipconfig/release and it worked but ipconfig/renew wont work and its really irritating me my settings are set to automatically detect dns and ip adress can anyone please help me with this problem

[Justme06]

Brain freeze.

[derek6711]

if it is wirerless or wired storms can affect it. And FYI my dad works on comp. for a living and says that yahoo checker works BEST. O and its election day so that means lots of traffic and interferences.

[Ras]

An internet connection can become slow or stop working due to a number of reasons depending on the type of the connection. Many of the problems can be solved by making software changes or small hardware corrections. Detailed instructions at http://tinyurl.com/yl62gz