Help ! Configure curl extension on a shared nix box

Hopefully someone can assist me with this issue as i have been beeting my head in senslessly for month trying to resolve this. I have looked over many documents and even called my hosting company with no luck. From what I have gathered the following is possible. I have little knowledge in PHP, at least enough to get me into trouble. So here we go. I signed up with XO to host my ecommerce website. I did this back in August. I have the code running from Zen Cart a free shopping cart that works really well. Now my issue is that the code needs the curl extension to be enabled so that the shipping module will work. 1. Can ini_set() be used to turn on the curl extension. * I have tried to use the script on the php website, but I run into pathing errors or at least I think that is the issue 2. if I can enable the curl extension, where do I get the file, and where do I upload it to? *I do not think that the server I am on has curl on it If this is too vague, please let me know and I will try to clarify this. Again, I know a little about php, not enough and I am asking for your help so I can get the store up for the holiday season. Thank you, Rooster