Stupid Weird Computer Problem

Hey guys, I’m having an unexplained computer problem, and I can’t pinpoint it. I have it narrowed down to either my connection, or something local on my machine(s). (it happens with all servers). Basically, whenever I try and send mail with Outlook Express, about 80% of the time I press ‘send’ after writing it, and it times out. Like it sends all the way sort of, (the progress bar goes to full) but then it times out. So i have to cancel it, and resend it. If I resend it, it sends fine. This happens regardless of the server the email acct is on.

Something similar is happening with my FTP. I use Leap. I’ve tried it on multiple servers. About 80% of the time, if I connect to a server and start an upload, it uploads really slow, like 1-3 kbps. If I abort it, and start again, it goes to normal speeds (about 60kbps).

This is TOTALLY WEIRD, and unexplained, not to mention a HUGE pain in the KEISTER. And it has only been going on the last week or so.

When my DSL connection first got connected, I was having massive packet loss due to a faulty port. I b!tched a lot and made them change the port and lo and behold, no more packet loss. I ping like a dream. I ping tested it again while I was having the problem with email and FTP and there were no packets dropped. (even though it is acting like packet loss). This is totally weird. Anyway, I tried it on my desktop and my laptop on the network, same results. So I’m just plain old confused. I don’t know what else to test, so I’m hoping one of you guys might have some advice or suggestions.
Thanks so much!