Linksys Connection Problem

Hello,
I have a Dell Inspiron 530 computer and Comcast high speed cable. I have Windows XP and use Firefox for a browser. I bought a used Linksys WRT54G v2.2 router and am trying ti hook it up to the internet so I can get Netflix thru my Wii.
The router will not connect to the internet and I do not know why.
These are yhe instrictions I found and followed:
Turned off computer and modem.
Connected one end of Ethernet cable to #1 port of router.
Connected other end to computer
Connected a 2nd. Ethernet cable to internet port on router.
Connected the other end to the high speed modem.
Powered on the modem.
Plugged router power supply into wall and router.
It said to wait for LCD light labeled Diag to stop displaying a bright red light and then turn on computer. (THE RED LIGHT NEVER CAME ON)
I went ahead and opened the network management control panel.
The "obtain an IP address automatically was already in operation.
All the computer would do at that time was to tell me that there was no internet connection.
Hate to say it, but at that point I "chickened out" and unplugged the router and put everything back the way it was. Internet worked fine then.
The little window I did access for my computer noted that the following was assigned by DHCP:
IP address - 24.125.113.18
subnet mask - 255.255.255.128
default gateway - 24.125.113.1
I never got into information for the router, and do not know how to get the Firefox settings.
Thanks for any help from a 65 year old computer dummy.