NET USE vs (start->run \\server\shared)

Hello,

I need to use NET USE command as part of a batch file. My problem is NET USE
does not physically check for its remote resources, unlike using RUN on the
start menu.
NET USE does run without any error when the remote resource is actually not
sharing the folder. I need to determine if it is really not available. Why
is it that NET USE does not behave the way it should be? Do you know any
workaround?
Thanks for any help.