when i go to tools, options in LW, the part where you can pick or put a dot or check where it says UPnP, westell and the other one (i forgot what) anyway, it let's me check off or uncheck whether i want LW to pick but it won't let me check off say if I wanted to pick westell. I don't know if I'm making myself clear.

I tried everything you mentioned. I even tried the port forwarding but was confused... my westell page didn't look like the one in the link you suggested. I get through with the launchmodem link.
Thanks for your advice and tips. I appeciate it. I have no idea why it won't work....I consider myself somewhat computer literate hence the fustration.

and as far as my smarta-- post......it's called a vent, I'm sure everyone has had one. Anyway, Thanks again for your help. You were kind to answer. Question: Do you know why this is happening when it didn't happen in the past? I've been usuing LW forever. Do you know if it's something that LW has changed or is it really our computer settings? Just wondering.