connection problems

Would really appreciate help with this problem--I'm using verizon dsl with a westell 2200 modem/router.do i have to set up port forwarding to get ftp to work?I keep getting the following error message-- A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.I am using port 21 but keep getting the same message--any help would be greatly appreciated--ps--I called verizon dsl and they gave me westells # and said they couldn't help me---when I called westell the message said they won't give tech support to verizon dsl customers i must cal verizon---thanks alot guys