Does the device manager show the Ethernet card is working?  Try powering down the modem then power back up (all while the PC is shut down) then turn on the PC with the Ethernet cable plugged in and let me know what you get.

Thank you for your help.

I did as you said, however it was still unsuccessful. When the computer started up, there was a solid orange light on each side of the port. Once the computer was ready to aquire the Internet, I recieved the same connection message in my Network Connections.

Here is a description of what happened:
The Left side of the port was solid orange, then the right side was blinking yellow, the yellow would stay on for about 1-2 secs, then go off, and 1-2 seconds later, the orange would go off. During this time, my Network Connection read "Local Area Connection: Aquiring network address", while there were no lights on, it read "Local Area Connection: Network cable unplugged." These phrases changed approx every 3-4 seconds. The last line of my connection reads "Broadcam 440x 10/100 Integrated C"

I would appreicate any more advice you may have. Thank you!

Google search for a program named WinSockFix for XP and run that.  It appears your TCP/IP stack has become corrupted.

Thank you for your help again, however, I still am unable to access the Internet.

Here is a description of the message I received from the computer.
I installed WinStock and it said it was complete and followed the directions. When I restarted the computer the Network Connection read "Local Area Connection: Network Cable unplugged" and switched to "Local Area Connection: Limited or no Connectivity." There were a few times it indicated it was connected, but then switched to "Network Cable Unplugged."

When the LAC: "Limited or no Connection" appeared so did a box, that said my network address needed to be repaired or acquired, the computer was not able to acquire or renew my IP address. In the details box, it found a Physical Address, IP address and Subnet mask (not the default gateway, DNS server or Wins Server.)

Any more advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time and effort!

Physical Address: 00-0B-DB-1C-79-EE
IP Address: 169.254.109.128
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0

You do not have a valid connection to your ISP as the 169.254.xx.... address is the default null address Windows refers to in cases like this.  Does the Device manager Show nay conflicts?  If not, try unstalling the NIC and rebooting to let it self reinstall.

Could you please tell me where I would find the Device Manager? How can I tell if there are conflicts? And if there are no conflicts, how would I uninstall and reboot.

Thank you for your patience and your knowledge, I am not too computer savvy!

I found the Device Manager and believe I have found the there are no conflicting devices (found in the resources tab under my Network Adapters). I am still unable to do (and find) the option to uninstall.

Here's a pretty comprehensive list of why one would get the "network cable unplugged" message (taken from the Microsoft.Public.WindowsXP.network_web newsgroup:

1. The network cable really is unplugged.
2. The network cable is defective.
3. It's plugged in, but there's nothing connected to the other end.
4. It's plugged in and connected on both ends, but the device on the other end isn't turned on.
5. The cable is the wrong type. Connecting two computers directly, without a hub, switch, or router, requires a crossover cable. A regular cable won't work.
6. The cable is connected to the uplink port on a hub, switch, or router, instead of a regular port.
7. Some hubs, switches, and routers disable the port next to the uplink port when the uplink port is in use.
8. The network card driver program isn't working right. Download and install the latest XP-compatible driver from the manufacturer's web site.
9. The network card is configured to automatically sense speed and duplex settings but isn't doing it correctly. Set those options manually, as shown here:

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/networkcard.htm

*****OR*****

Remove A network cable is unplugged icon from tray

Click on Start>Run..., type regedit.exe and click OK. Navigate to and Delete this key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{7007ACCF-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}

Restart to apply the changes.Make a backup of the key just in case (select the key and click on File>Export)

Thank you for your help, however, I am still Internetless. #9 on your chart appeared to describe my problem the most, so I tried the directions on there. I re-installed my network driver, but I continue to get the same changing connection phrases.

The directions mentioned to un-install the network, which I did with my back up disks. The I tried to specify explicit speed and duplex settings, which did not have a postiive response.

I did try your --OR-- option which also did not produce a good result. I deleted the HKEY...although. I backed it up right away, in case I made a mistake, but I am wondering what exactly I wanted to delete, the entire thing, or just default? I tried all the options and it did not make a difference.

Currently, my High Speed Interent connection is viewing Connected, Firewalled and then switches to Network Cable Unplugged. I have tried to find my IP addresses and that is appearing to be unsuccessful, There is a message I get frequently that says it can not renew my IP addresses. Can I just insert a IP address (if so where do I do this), or does the computer have to find it.

I appreciate any more help you could offer.

Do you have the mosr current driver for that NIC?  If so, uninstall the NIC and reboot to install a fresh verison of the device.

Okay, so more unsuccessful attempts. I am more confused and frustrated than ever. I found a more up to date driver, but it doesnt appear to make any difference.

Now when I plug the ethernet cord into the port, the connection does not change as it did before. It only says Network Cable unplugged. However, when I click on "My Network Places" nothing appears, but when I go into "Network Connections" I can see my connection.

Just out of curiousity, if I get a wireless router, would I be able to connect to the Internet even with these problems?

Hello. I am wondering if you could offer me any more assistance? I greatly appreciate your time.