MySQL Forums :: Install :: My SQL ODBC Driver Error

I am constantly getting [MySQL][ODBC 5.1 Driver][mysqld-4.1.22-standard]MySQL Server has gone away [#2006]. I am getting very frustrated with this issue.
I connect remotely with ODBC to the database.

This has been ongoing for some time both with my previous PC running XP and my new PC running Vista 64.
Is there some variable in my PC to set a time out to fix this problem.
Is there a Server side variable I need to have my host provider admin to change for me? ( I have no permission to do so).

What other specs do you need?

Any solution will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Jim Calvert