Windows 7: Windows 7 not detecting crossover cable

I have a crossover cable and I am trying to connect a PC running Win XP and my laptop (Dell vostro 1014) running Windows 7.



When I plug the cable between the 2 computers, the Win XP PC keeps saying network cable was unplugged - then tries to detect it - then again network cable unplugged -> all this in a loop. Windows 7 does nothing, it doesn't even sense it.
There is also no ethernet LED's on my laptop, and only a brief green LED on my Win XP pc, again, in a loop.

Any help please trying to make my Win 7 laptop detect my crossover cable? I believe the Win XP detects it, but not my Win 7 laptop. My ethernet card (Realtek) on my laptop does not have a "Auto detect crossover cable" in it's properties -> advanced. My windows 7 ethernet drivers are up to date (7.46.610.2011)