Windows 7: 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

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

Have you tried the Troubleshooter? Right click the Network Icon on the bottom right of the taskbar and click "Troubleshoot"

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

ok just for giggles, try a system restore: System Restore restore to the point before you installed WLE

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)

Might be worth updating the Ethernet driver: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?os=W764&catid=5&dateid=-1&impid=-1&osl=EN&typeid=-1&formatid=-1&servicetag=&SystemID=STUDIO1557&hidos=W764&hidlang=en&TabIndex=&scanSupported=False&scanConsent=Fa lse

Its the bottom one under network

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?

Eesh, with Laptops its tricky, as they are probably made direct by Dell. I would try Dell Customer Service to see if they will fix it if the laptop is still under warranty. If not, I'd get a USB adapter.