I keep getting the error message 'Modem cannot detect a dial tone'? If you receive the error message "modem cannot detect a dial tone" you can quickly establish if the problem is in your phone line or in your modem or your phone is at fault: 1. Make sure the phone line coming from the wall goes to the modem connection that reads line, Jack or to wall. 2. Unplug the line going to the modem and connect it to a phone. 3. Listen for a "Dial tone". If there is no dial tone, the problem is with your phone line. Contact your telephone company for help. If there is a dial tone, then the problem is your modem. Contact your modem manufacturer for help.