cant network 2 computers

ok i have this problem, i just fixed a computer and want to network them together, but when i plug the ethernet cord in to both of them nothin happens, they dont even know there conected, so i tryed conecting my laptop to both and it worked just fine<- connected them to my laptop at diffrent times. they both have windows xp pro

 

Mario, I don't have any idea what your configuration is, but if you connected 2 pc's directly with cat5/6, it will not work. you'll need to use hub/switch/router to do the common network. if you want direct connection, you'll need to get "cross over" cable.
If you're using a hub/switch/router, then check the tcp/ip settings. If they are being dhcp (auto conf..), where is your dhcp from? if they are set to static ip, then check to see if they match. IP address should not be same. it must be in same sub, but different address at the end.
Post your settings and maybe we can be more of help to you...