If it was a winmodem (such as those piece of crap Conexant modems) you wouldn't get a response when you query it.
This explains my problems right now. The only other modem I have right now is a 56K modem blaster ISA unit that was in my moms old w95 75mhz pentium before it gave up the ghost. Its a winmodem too. Oh well Ill hold out for that expensive external model that I want.