I have a destop that is connect via comcast (their modem, and a laptob Dell Inspiron E1505.  My laptop is connected via wireless connection thru D-Link WBR-2310.  My issue is with the laptop.  It has worked fine for a year, unitl now.  When I try to connect the laptop, the bottom right has 2little computer with the X thru them.  When I right click on "open network connections" I see the following:

 

1394 Connection

Connected

1394 Net Adapter

 

Local Area Connection

Network Cable unplugged

Broadban 440x10/100 Intergrated Controller

 

when I ping devmgmt.msc             I see the same devices, nothing else.

 

Any ideas where to start? Please be basic,  I am not up to speed with all the lingo   Thanks