Computer Issues

I think my modem died. I said, "I think," because it says it's fine, that it just has no dial tone. However, when I checked both lines (in and out of my surge protector) on a phone, it worked fine.

I don't know what to do about it. If it was the desktop, I'd just pop it open and slap a new modem in, but it's my laptop and I am understandably wary of opening it. I don't really know how to work on a laptop. It costs $50-$75/hour to have them worked on around here, and I certainly can't afford that.

I can go to town later or tomorrow and see if I can connect at the internet cafe, since it uses the other kind of connection (like cable modems), but I am pretty much screwed about connecting at home.

Any suggestions or advice?