New laptops, can't access internet

Okay, my dad and sister just both got brand new laptops, specs are as follows: Acer Inc., AcerSystem, AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-50, 1.60 GHz, 896 MB of RAM, Microsoft Windows XP SP2. The laptops came ready to go in their boxes, and i assumed this would mean i could just take it out of the box and it would be pretty much ready to go/plug n' play type deal. However, i cannot connect to the internet. The laptops came with their own internet cable but when i plug it in, the computer doesn't recognize the fact that the cable is plugged in, it says that a network cable is unplugged. It tells me that a wireless network has been detected, but we don't have wireless internet we have high speed cable internet. I checked under device manager and everything there says its working fine/no conflicts. But then again, i don't really know what to look for, so something obvious could be missing. I also tried using the cable from the other laptop and trying to hook it up that way in case the cable was the problem, no difference. Also, the guy at the store said that Acer was a very well known/used/respected brand in the UK but is trying to break into the North American market and that is why the laptops were so cheap... Anyone heard of any problems/concerns/dislikes with this brand? We have about 10 days to return them...

 

They are probably picking up each other's Wireless adapter. As for connection unplugged, try another set of cables. Also are you plugging into a router or Switch? If a older router, you may need cross-over cables. If newer, you should not.

 

I tried using different cables, no luck. I am using a router which i purchased about 3 months ago. I ran the setup new connection wizard and there is a Local connection shown but it says disconnected. Thanks for the quick replies.

 

Okay well i went out and purchased another cable and now everything is working fine. I thought i must be missing something obvious as they are brand new laptops and it seemed odd both would have the same problem. Turns out both of the 2 cables i tried to use were the problems. Thank you for the help it was right on. I should have posted the question about the quality of acer products in a different forum when i think about it. I didn't really think about the fact that i was posting in software. Thanks again!

 

No problem. You never know with a network problem. Nine times out of ten, it is hardware, not OS that is causing the problems.