networking problems

I need help in getting setting up a network. Main unit
uses XP the other is Win 98. I go through the procedure
and even set up a floppy with the networking format to
run in each machine, but still can not get the machines
to talk to one another. I'm a newbbie so I am probably
doing something wrong. If anyone can help me PLEASE DO.
If you wantyou can call me (619) 264-1796 I will gladly
pay for the call. I have a cable modem on the XP
macnine, a hub betwen the two with an ethernet card in
the Win 98 machine. I want to keep Win 98 running as
there are several programs that I use that are not XP
compatiable and the writers of these programs say they
have no intentions of updating them to make them XP
compatiable.