I'm pretty sure THIS:
is my problem, but still, I've been unable to play a game of Demigod online with 3v3 (haven't managed to try a 2v2 yet) due to pings above 1800 anytime I get in a game. Is there anything I can do, short of closing minor background programs (MSN, AIM, mIRC) in order to free up bandwidth to play this game without ruining the experience for everyone else and having to quit out to allow the others to play?
Edit: Forgot to mention, I generally have no problem actually getting into games, but once they start, Ping anywhere from 1800 and beyond shows up, causing the game to be an unplayable form of lag known as "Why the fuck are we playing with that Audley guy?"