Fresh XP Install Internet Problems

I painted my bedroom (which is where I have my PC desktop set up) and
after the painting was done, and my computer was put back, Windows
wouldn't start up. It would get to the Windows XP loading screen but no
further.

Eventually I erased the partition and reinstalled it completely. Now
it works fine, only problem being that I can't get internet.

When I plug my ethernet cable into the back of my computer the little
green light turns on so it IS detecting that something's plugged into
that slot, but in my network connections folder there is only the 1394
connection in the LAN or High speed area. In the incoming area it says
no incoming connections.

When I open IE it says "Page unavailable"

There is no idication whatsoever that a cable is plugged in, but no
indication that my network cables are unplugged.

I don't know what to do. Help me, please.