Wired Internet Connection Problems

[KaiHallarn]

I recently had a massive failure whilst using windows XP. I had to install Vista on it as I needed to use it for University. I also reinstalled all the drivers for the NIC's and wireless card, as they seemed to have disappeared completely.
I plugged in the ethernet cable. and nothing happened. I have tried a different cable and still nothing has happened.
To connect to the internet normally, I plug the ethernet cable into the computer, open my internet browser, where the ISP page opens up and I enter my details in order to gain access to the internet, but it isn't even getting to the ISP page.
Any help would be appreciated

[ACtheTROLL]

does your machine's manufacturer supply vista drivers for ALL the devices such as chipset, video, audio, nic, wifi (get the idea?)