mail() function

I can't seem to get the mail function to work. Is there a way to authenticate before sending mail, I believe this is my issue. Also in my php.ini file the parameter sendmail_path is empty. Is this a required parameter for sending mail? I'm using Windows/IIS. Thanks, Dave HTC Disclaimer: The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Thank you.