Ethernet Adapter for Wireless Router

I find it hard to believe that your computer doesn't have an ethernet adapter built into the motherboard. If you connected your router to your computer, you most likely did that via the ethernet port. It's possible that it's disabled or not configured correctly, though.

That was my understanding as well since my internet modem works through the ethernet port. I checked under "Device Manager" and found the only network driver my computer has is the Broadcom driver 440x 10/100 integrated controller and it is enabled, but I still get the error message. 

UPDATE:  I just called Dell technical support and was told that I would have to download the ethernet driver at a cost of $49.00.  I told the technician that I could purchase an adapter for $19.00 from Wal-Mart.  He said that it wouldn't work; that I had to purchase the download from Dell only.  Not only could I barely understand him (I think he is some where in India), he was very rude!

Dell wants the 49.00 as you are out of warranty and this is a standard charge. Now if your computer previously connected to the modem and worked fine then your adapter is fine and working. What you are experiencing is a router setup issue. This is not all that uncommon.

What model of Netgear router are you working with.

Here is the way you should be connected to configure the router. A cable from the modem to the router and a cable from the router to the computer. You have an ethernet adapter as it is showing up in Device manager.

Lets see if it is working, there should be two little lights where the cable plugs into the computer these are your status light. Both should be illuminated and may be flashing.

Its the Netgear Wireless-G Router model #WGR614.  I stopped by Best Buy today and the Geek Squad technician also said that it could possibly be the router as I have connected the modem to the router to the computer and all lights that should be on are on.  He suggested taking the router back and exchanging it for another one. Hopefully this will work.

The Dell support tech said it was for a download and that I couldn't purchase it any other place and without it, a router would not work.  I spoke to a Geek Squad tech and he said that I already have an ethernet driver as my internet modem is connected to it.  He suggested getting another router.