Laptop can't recognize Ethernet cable

Hi I am using a Dell Studio 1557 model. This has happened recently:

I downloaded the Windows Live Essentials update yesterday and it prompted me to restart my laptop. I meant to click "Postpone" but I clicked "Restart" accidentally. This was in the middle of while I was running Firefox and running Winamp (as far as I can remember).

So when the computer was back on I noticed I totally lost the internet connection. Even though the CAT5 cable is connected, the laptop does not recognize it at all. It simply says "Not Connected". And just today I realized that whenever the Ethernet cable is connected to the computer the computer periodically(every other second or so)makes a faint buzzing noise. This is something I had not noticed before. I replaced the cable with a new one and the same thing still happens.

I think the modem is working fine since my roommate can access the internet. On the modem where the lights should be on for my connection, it is periodically blinking.

Anyone got an idea as to what is happening?

Thanks

schp said:

Hi I am using a Dell Studio 1557 model. This has happened recently:

I downloaded the Windows Live Essentials update yesterday and it prompted me to restart my laptop. I meant to click "Postpone" but I clicked "Restart" accidentally. This was in the middle of while I was running Firefox and running Winamp (as far as I can remember).

So when the computer was back on I noticed I totally lost the internet connection. Even though the CAT5 cable is connected, the laptop does not recognize it at all. It simply says "Not Connected". And just today I realized that whenever the Ethernet cable is connected to the computer the computer periodically(every other second or so)makes a faint buzzing noise. This is something I had not noticed before. I replaced the cable with a new one and the same thing still happens.

I think the modem is working fine since my roommate can access the internet. On the modem where the lights should be on for my connection, it is periodically blinking.

Anyone got an idea as to what is happening?

Thanks

Check device manage for the network driver

Please go to start>search>type device manager.
Are there any "unknown devices" with yellow triangles on them?
Is you driver there , listed, and working?

If your driver is missing, or there is a yellow triangle on it, you will need to update it.


Ken

I checked and I don't see yellow triangles/unknown devices listed

Yes I've also tried that it couldn't come up with anything

I've also tried the system restore and the same problem persists.

Sorry for not listing before what I have done, in addition to the above:

1) reboot, disconnect/reconnect to the modem various times
2) bought a new cable)

just tried it and looks like that does not work either.

I think the ethernet port might have been damaged somehow. How do you go about fixing this problem on a laptop? Can it be replaced or do I have to use a USB adapter?