If you're running the XP style display Control Panel -Performance and Maintenance - System - Device Manager.
If anything has a red X it doesn't have a working driver.
Here's the Intel download page for the motherboard, the Network driver is the same as the Optima page, but the Intel Chipset software is new, might make a difference.
Download Search Results
Since it's an Intel board it should all be pretty universal, Windows should automatically load a driver, in which case it probably isn't a driver problem.
No red X, no problem.
So then it's some other problem, something like Windows Firewall blocking you from the adsl modem/router - if you have a router turn off Windows Firewall and save yourself huge amounts of irritation.
Run the network installation wizard - again, turn off the firewall.
If that doesn't work it could be something bad with the motherboard?
Maybe.
For under $30 for a plug in network card at Dick Smith, might save you hours of pain and suffering.
D-Link Network Card 10/100Mb (XH7284) - Dick Smith Electronics - Australia. Search, Research, Buy Online.
Cheers
Simon

