I dont know much about outlook 2000 but in regular outlook express and most other outlook programs I have seen ... you will find a tools menu up top... (If you dont look around for an "options" selection under one of the other menus on top...)
Once you find Options... wherever it may be.. then click on connection (again you may have to click around and look) BUT you are looking for an option that says "Hang up after sending and receiving" that is what it sounds like it is doing... Uncheck that... hit apply and okay. Then it should stop doing that!!
Hope that helps!
Misty
January 2006