Start>Run>Services.Msc
locate the SQL Browser service in that list.
And a quote on BOL says that if Browser service isn't running then, connections without port number doesn't work. So how are your other connections happening??
Using SQL Server Browser
If the SQL Server Browser service is not running, you are still able to connect to SQL Server if you provide the correct port number or named pipe. For instance, you can connect to the default instance of SQL Server with TCP/IP if it is running on port 1433.
However, if the SQL Server Browser service is not running, the following connections do not work:
Any component that tries to connect to a named instance without fully specifying all the parameters (such as the TCP/IP port or named pipe).
Any component that generates or passes server\instance information that could later be used by other components to reconnect.
Connecting to a named instance without providing the port number or pipe.
DAC to a named instance or the default instance if not using TCP/IP port 1433.
The OLAP redirector service.
Enumerating servers in SQL Server Management Studio, Enterprise Manager, or Query Analyzer.
--In 'thoughts'...
Lonely Rogue