Is this problem due to my NIC card?

[noodlepower]

Hi! I'm new, first of all, and I know just a little bit about computers. And my problem seems to be that my cable modem will connect via USB but not Ethernet. I'm using Windows XP SP1 on my desktop.

Here's what I've done so far:

I've power cycled my computer and modem. I've reset my modem.

I checked under Device Managers, when I'm connected via USB, under Network Adapters, it lists my modem (which is Arris Telephony Cable Modem). However, when I connect via Ethernet, the network adapters disappear. So, I decided to try a different Ethernet cord (used the one the techs used when they installed the Arris modem and borrowed the one from my brother's PS3). Still, the network adapters didn't pop up.

I'm starting to think that maybe my NIC card isn't installed or something. Although, it would be odd because I used to connect a few years back via Ethernet but when I went back to factory settings on my computer, I couldn't get my internet to work. A tech came out and he'd gotten my internet working via USB, which I didn't mind at the time. However, my brother is bugging me for a router and before I can do that, I need to get my internet working via cable modem.

I used to work for Verizon DSL customer service, so I'm familiar with the BS that most tech support will tell you. Before calling them, I wanted to get a general idea of what the problem may be and perhaps other solutions to try.

Edit: Oh I forgot to mention... I checked my MAC address. It's 00-15-A4-91-D8-79 if that helps.

[krishananda]

sounds like u lost your NIC driver after you restore the computer to the factory settings, install the driver from the motherboard CD or search the internet for ur driver