I have a brand new Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop. I am trying to connect to Comcast with a cable modem. I know the connection works and that the actual cable works because it is working on another laptop that I have. It is an Ethernet cable
When I connect it to the new laptop I do not see the lights go on in the port. When I try to connect to the internet and us IE, it says it can't find a connection. Also, Windows Vista keeps trying to have me set up a connection and put in a User Name and password which I never had to do on my old laptop.
Prior to getting this laptop, I got one a couple of weeks ago and I had EXACTLY the same problem. I spent hours on the phone with Dell and they finally came to the conclusion that there was a problem with the ethernet port. They were scheduled to send a technician out, but unfortunately the laptop was stolen the next day. I am not convinced that it is a problem with the cable or the port.
Should I be doing something different? I also tried unplugging/replugging the modem (I don't have a router) and restarting the laptop once the cable was attached. Help! I do not want to call Dell Support as I am sure it is something much simpler. Thanks.

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