Toshiba router wont connect

im trying to use my workhorse toshiba wrc-1000 router on my new vista comp but im not getting anywere. im not sure if the cox modem is blocking it or if the router simply wont work on vista. ive never had much luck installing them before but i usually get the job done. i dont think its getting an ip address. were should i start to track down the problem. cox says they wont help since its not their router.