Live CD Can't connect to the Internet

[S Barringer]

I'm using a serial modem, which two other (unnamed Linux OSs) detect 
without any problem. 
    When it came to the modem detection-automatic, it went to manual 
detection.   It had ttyS1 already listed in place, and I didn't change 
that.  I also used 'chat' for login/password needed for my ISP.
   Also, why am I being asked for the primary nameserver IP number?  No 
other OS asks for this info (I think because it's dynamic DNS).
   I have three Linux machines running on dial-up.  I was wondering if 
there is any way to find out the     primary nameserver IP number? 

sbarringer at netpenny.net