i too have this problem, after i upgraded the computer but not the modem. aol
says it is because you have "signed on" at too slow a speed, but didn't have
much to say about fixing the problem. i also have gotten a couple of totally
black ones. aargh! but i have imported a trio of computer literate teenagers
for the weekend and maybe they will know. i got aol 4.0 and it is great, but
it is not a problem just of the 4.0. if someone else finds the cure, please
post it.

carol b.