eee-PC bigpond solved (I hope).

I ended up reimaging the computer incase this was the problem. This actually fixed a lot of problems I had with the eee-PC. I don't know whether the original install was faulty or I got overexcited uninstalling things from the eee-pc.
The main problem was the eee-pc freezing, even using the various speed ups I have found on the web.
Anyway the modem still disconnected when plugged into the right hand side port but when plugged into the Left hand side port it was okay. I could be that the other two USB ports do not have enough power to support the modem.

*** Update ****

I have given it a beating and it has worked without a problem.