Mandrake 9.1 is very stable. Mandrake 10.0 isn't as much.
But I recommend mandrake 10.0 because it has the latest software. For example 9.1 has openoffice 1.0 and mozilla 1.3, while mandrake 10.0 has oppenoffice 1.1 and mozilla 1.6.
Mandrake 10.0 also has an updated KDE desktop and the new linux kernel.
Personally, I would recommend 10.0. But if you think winmodem won't work with 10.0, stick with 9.1 until 10.0 is updated. But, if you have the drivers for winmodem, go ahead and upgrade to 10.0
I came upon this site. I donno if it helps
http://www.linmodems.org./ What winmodem do you have?
One more thing about 10.0, boot with CD2 and insert CD1 when it asks for install CD