Gloryhound->> From the explanation that you have given, it sounds like it could be one of two things. Your computer has multiple connections (Check Dial up Networking). Another possability is that Outlook Express is set to "Hang up, After Send and Receive."
Open OE
Click on tools on the pull down menu and then select options
Select the connection tab, about halfway down you should see the option for "Hang up, After Send and Receive," remove the check mark and select "ok."
Let me know how it works..
BadDawg ;-)