How to connect 2 PCs via switch?

Hi,

I have a laptop and a desktop PC and I want that they can communicate with each other via a switch.
I plugged in the cables in switch and in computers, the network icon from the system tray looks like everything is fine.

Both systems are using Windows XP SP2.

I set these IP settings:
1) Laptop
IP: 192.168.2.1
Mask: 255.255.255.0
the rest is blank

2) Desktop PC
IP: 192.168.2.2
Mask: 255.255.255.0
the rest is blank

Other details:
- the desktop PC has an additional ethernet LAN card which is not used (I don't think is relevant)
- the laptop has set up a broadband connection PPPoE which I want to use later after I make the 2 computers to work with each other

What's wrong? the ping to 192.168.2.1 or 192.168.2.2 are not working, the firewall programs were suspended.
The switch is working, I can connect via the broadband connection to the internet through the switch and works.

I think there are dozens of similar questions but I couldn't find my case.

Thanks for your help!

Your configuration seems correct. You can try opening the Device Manager on bith computers, removing the network cards and then restarting Windows. I have had the same problem before and this solved the problem.
Busted cable can also cause problems. Also check Windows and 3rd party firewalls