network connection not sending/receiving packets

[rebelwarlock]

One of my computers was working well until earlier today. Now the network connection cannot obtain an ip address and the packets sent and packets received both show 0. It doesn't help if I manually assign an IP address. Also, if I unplug the wire it doesn't change to media disconnected status. I'm fairly sure this is a virus of some sort. However, I'm having trouble booting from my knoppix live cd to check if it works on linux (but that's a whole other problem). Any thoughts?

[Enablingwolf]

Did you use a known good network adapter/cable?

[rebelwarlock]

I finally got the computer to boot from a live cd. Under Linux it gets an IP address no problem. I also noted another odd behavior under windows; the light on the switch for that connection doesn't light up. The device manager doesn't show any conflicts and says the device is working properly.