2 possibilities
Have you got the modem connection arrows icon showing in the corner by the clock?
If yes then right click on it and click on Open DSL status this opens a control panel up with the troubleshooting for the Modem suggest click uninstall(bottom Button) which will unload the drivers. have your Red Install disk ready if it asks for it to reload same
Any joy?
Try this method instead click on the Local Area connection Icon then right click on the Local Area connection 1 icon and select Repair to run wizard?
There are other trouble shooter routines in the Open DSL modem box but I've never used them Status and Configuration are info only. The other 2 might need a bit of help with to understand?
If I understand you right Formatting is serious erasing...You'd have been better off Defragging or Optimising your Hard drive with something like Crap Cleaner which Leaves critical files intact Formatting is only for when something has seriously compromised your Computer, or if you are changing Operating Systems? Not for basic Housekeeping!