[WittyBird]

Check the connection settings for both Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.

Internet Explorer: Tools, Internet Options, Connections. Ensure that the correct ISP account is the default. If you prefer to control the connection manually, change the setting to "Never dial a connection".

Outlook Express: Tools, Options. On the general tab check the settings under "Send/Receive Messages", specifically "If my computer is not connected at this time:"
On the "Connection" tab, ensure that "Ask before switching dial up connections" is enabled. Option is yours about whether to enable "Hang up after sending and receiving".

Check the settings in Accounts as well, Tools, Accounts. Choose the account that you are collecting email from and click Properties. Click on the tab "Connection". If you are broadband or want to control the internet connection manually then deselect "Always connect to this account using:" so the option is greyed out.