if you get server not found messages, it means 1 of 2 things. either you didn't get an IP from your ISP when you connected, or at the time that you were trying, your ISPs DNS servers were down - both of which wouldn't be your fault. although it's slower v.34 is very reliable... I'm hoping that you'll be able to get a connection and at least get to different sites. That would help my in my process of elimination in identifying the component (hardware or software) that is at fault. I would say try a few different times on v.34 w/ the following:
Enable error correction and compression in modem - checked
wait for dial tone before dialing - checked
Notify me of incoming calls.... - NOT checked
the only item i would toggle would be "enable error correction..." some folks have had luck w/ it on and others with it off. try a few times with both and note the results.