What a Legend!: It sounds like you have a dynamic ip so your settings may may not stay the same same each time you log on. If you need to foreward a port you need a static ip. Please answer the following details as detailed as you possibly can.

Can you give us a total desciption of your set up: 1. OS version, 2. What firewalls you have, 3. ram, 4. HDD space available, 5. Connection type, 6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers, 7. Where are you trying to connect from (home, school, work, etc.)?
These details are vital if you want us to find out what your connection problem is.