Internet connection issues

A couple of weeks ago I had cable internet installed at my house ... for my stationary cpu and my laptop.

The day they hooked it up they asked to install cable on a wall where my computer was not located (easier for them) .. since I didn't care I said ok. instead of allowing me to move it before they left - they simply told me it would automatically work when I hooked my cpu up.

Well it doesn't.

It shows I have a connection in control panel but when I try to open EI it says no internet connection.

Called them back out and they said they really only know how 'to hook' up and make sure all lights are on ... and perhaps some program (no idea what) is missing?

argh

I called the trouble line and they (the young men who came to hook up the cable) told them I was missing a program and they seem to think this is my fix, frankly I don't care WHO fixes it, me or them I just want it working.

BTW laptop works fine (on it right now).

Any help would be appreciated.

It's a dell, using xp professional.

 

Use ethernet instead of USB. Usb needs drivers. Ethernet is virtually Plug-and-Play.
If your desktop doesn't have an ethernet post, buy this special USB stick that has an ethernet port on the other end. It comes with different drivers.
Need any more help, please post.
Zack

 

it is an ethernet connection, or at least I am 99.99% sure it is.

 

I already disabled windows firewall, off to check my nortons now.

I did a connectivity diagnostic and it says .. all is good (and I am connected) but then says:

could not make an HTTP connection
could not make an HTTPS connection
Could not make FTP connection

 

is the network automatic when they hook me up or is this something I have to do?

I ask b/c none of that showed up for me.

 

Ok:
Ethernet: http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00NMSavngLEtzOM/Ethernet-Cable-UTP-Mold-Type-KB-AA06-.jpg
USB: http://blogs.s60.com/s60multimedia/usb 002.jpg

 

ethernet