DHCP problem, APIPA

Hello,

I have a Dell Optiplex GX620 with a weird DHCP problem.

When using the network connection on a fresh installed device I cannot contact the DHCP server to get a lease. But I receive an APIPA address 169....

When I use the same networking cable on another device I have no problems there. When I use another networking cable on the troubled device I get the same issue. I already reinstalled the drivers, reinstalled the OS(windows XP). Still nothing better. I even tried manual static settings for the NIC, doesn't work either.

Would this be related to a broken NIC?

Anyone any other suggestions? 

Thanks already,

J