Ethernet

Computers, help! ;_;

Alright, so I have a westell DSL modem. (STFU, I just never got around to upgrading/had the need to, was planning later this month) ANYWAY, it has ethernet and USB, well I always just had.. both plugged in to make sure it would work. So I went and bought a wifi router today so I can get internet on my wii and other computer, installing and bam. Can't find connection. So I'm messing with the westell modem and I realize that I can't get on the internet with Ethernet. Apparently Ethernet doesn't work... but it's not the cord because I've used three different ones, and it's not the modem because its worked ethernet only with other computers.

So it's my computer.. but for the life of me I have no idea what the hell is the problem. I tried reinstalling stuff through verizon CD, and it says my computer supports ethernet.. but it never works.

Can anyone help me out?

(also yes, I've tried restarting, I have ethernet port, is it a driver issue? D:)

I'm almost certain it could be drivers, but where would I start? Motherboard, correct?

I don't think it has a modem built in.. it's a netgear rangemax wireless router.

And if you're going to help me I'll probably need like, a lot. ;_; so here's my AIM if you feel like you can.

Because half of what you're saying is mumbo jumbo to me.