networking in Vista connecting to the internet

First off, what is with all the popups?
If a virus/hack is powerfull enough to initiate a function, will it not be able to activate the effing OK button?

Ok, I am not entirely uninitiated with vista. I have worked on other peoples' vista computers.
I know how to setup a home network (crossover cables) and use Internet Conneciton Sharing.

However, I can't get my personal PC to connect to the net.
Vista installs fine.
Vista says I have a network & internet connection (icon tray notification thingy: byte sent, bytes recieved look normal)
But I can't connect to the internet. When I run the diagnostic option it says "we are sorry there is a problem we cannot fix, please contact your isp, or change your proxy settings)

If I uninstall the network device I can't re-install it b/c the add new hardware wizard comes up blank, but when I restart the effing network device is still there and working just as before!

It is such a simple setup. Integrated NVIDIA Ethernet to Cable Modem. No router, no switches, no AP ...why can't I get this to work? AND why does it insist on being a "network" XP lists Internet connections different from Network connections.

Every little stinkin LINUX DISTRO can get me on the net with little to no hassle, why can't VISTA?????

...WTHeck?

Wouldn't hurt to check the firewall settings either... nVidia's firewall software is notorious for blocking anything and everything.