[leone184]

Do you have lots of phones on your line? Remember to count answering machines, fax machines and computers. Having too many things will cut into the available voltage that powers your phone line. You may have enough voltage to make calls, but the "jolt" of electricity that causes your phone to ring may actually be too watered down.

Try unplugging all but one phone that you know works, and have a friend call you back. If this solves the problem, plug in each additional phone or answering machine one at a time, until the problem shows up again. Obviously the last one added to the line will be the troublemaker. Sometimes simply turning off the additional phone's ringers will also help. I have four phones, one answering machine and one modem on my line, but only the main phone in the living room actually rings.

If you only have one phone, it may have been damaged by a thunderstorm, or is just wearing out. Buy a cheapie (about $10.) to test it before calling the phone company.

leone184