O.k. Wibble 1962,
This may help, I like Freddie had problems using a Vodafone USB dongle, it seemed to almost connect then time out, it was solved by using the extension lead that is supplied with the Vodafone dongle( I trust Virgin supply one) and plugging into the rear USB socket.........hopefully, this will work, if it does you will be as surprised as I was after the Missus told me to do it!