I have my answering machine set up and it works when we do not answer the phone. However, when we are on the phone and someone calls it does not go onto the answering machine.

SOURCE: Answering drops call when answering

I have had the same problem when trying to connect the GE-29569 to my PBX. The PBX manufacturer suggested the the answering machine might be pulling too much power, which would result in a dropped call. I have not resolved this problem yet. However, the machine works fine when connected to my home line, but still does not work with the PBX. Since both work fine separately, I can only assume that power requirement might be the problem. RFR-US

SOURCE: MD481 does not ring when incoming calls come thru and answer maching does not pick up.

try going to this link and looking for additional seetings for your phone or troubleshooting instructions-link is for complete user manual for your phone
http://www.usersmanualguide.com/motorola/cordless_phones/md481

SOURCE: setting the number of rings to answer

Press "Mute" to setup handset, select "Ring to answer", here are 1,2,3,5,6,L choice. you can change to 3.

SOURCE: Answering machine atarts working after 2 rings only

Press the 'Change' button
Press the 'Setup' button until you hear the voice say "Number of rings"
Then use the "Skip" and "Repeat" buttons to change the number.
Press the "Change" button to finish.

SOURCE: can't get this fax machine to work with my answering machine

I have the same problem. I can send a fax, but if I try to receive a fax, the distinctive ring goes off, and it says RECEIVE on the display, but it doesn't receive anything, and there is nothing in the memory. Any ideas? PLEASE HELP!!!!!