Modem and router connection

Our modem died, so we bought a new one. Difficult to load the software onto our desktop because we just found out our cd drive wouldn't read the disc and the dvd drive wouldn't open (problem 1). Loaded the modem software onto my laptop and after two days of talking to support finally got the laptop connected, but now we need to connect the new modem to our linksys router so we can connect to the internet with the other computers in the house. Used my laptop to load the linksys cd to set up the router to recognize the new modem. Went through all the linksys steps and finished with the congratulations that everything was connected. After getting out of the linksys set up I went to connect to the internet and a box popped up saying there was no internet connection (problem 2) and to check all the cord connections, etc. I can only connect to the internet with the modem directly to my laptop. We need to get the router working so my husband can use his work laptop. Checked everything on the linksys site. Didn't get anywhere there. We have used this router for several years.