router won't connect to the internet

[Prudence]

Apparently I'm a complete moron. I set my network up last time, but now it won't work at all. Because I am clearly the biggest idiot on this rock, hopefully someone can assist me.

I am currently connected directly to my Verizon DSL-provided modem, which is connected to the phone outlet.

I would like to be connected to the Linksys WRT54G router (wired or wireless, I'm not picky at this point), which would be connected to the modem which would be connected to the phone outlet.

Here is what I have tried:

The last router was connected via DHCP. So, I've tried using the router's set-up wizard CD to select that option for connection type. Once that connection type is selected, there are NO other options to select/enter, save for the admin password one sets. However, it will not connect to the internet, according to the subsequent error message.

I have tried going in through my browser to 192.168.1.1 and selecting DHCP that way. When I do, and go to the status tab, it says automatic IP, but it is not connected.

The instructions on the Verizon website say to select PPPoE. I don't know why. If I select that option, either using the wizard from CD or the browser access point it asks for a username and password. Yes, there's a username and password to access my account info on the Verizon site, but they don't work here - same non-connecting error message. And why would I need a password to connect via router and not directly through the modem?

What the hell am I doing wrong? Has Verizon just changed their settings so you can't do wireless unless you buy their specific equipment? Am I just too stupid to have a network and should give my laptop and all computer equipment to the next passer-by?

[wendybeth]

I asked Eric, and he said you shouldn't need any additional equipment. He did say that the password should be 'Admin'- he is looking into it for ya. (Try that, though).

[Prudence]

no, i can set the router password. That's not an issue. I can't connect to the internet.

[wendybeth]

Did you click on the auto config on the router itself? That should set all your configurations. Did you also power down everything then power up in the order the Linksey manual says?

[Prudence]

yup. There is no autoconfig button. There's the CD-ROM set-up wizard option or going in through the browser. Tried both. Powered/connected everything in the order the CD-ROM said.

(The auto config button deals with the wireless security. I can't even get the wired version to work.)

[wendybeth]

OUrs must be different- Eric said he simply pushed the yellow CiscoSystems button to set the configurations on ours. In the troubleshooting page it says to power up the cable or dsl, then the router, then the pc. Does that match your set-up intructions?

[wendybeth]

Have you made sure the SSID is the same on both your PC and laptop as the router? (I'm just relaying stuff from Eric here, so bear with me if I'm being a pain- he's busy doing something else).

[Prudence]

At the moment the SSID is the default.

I think I'm just an idiot and don't deserve internet access.

[wendybeth]

Did you reset your cable modem? Eric is wondering if perhpas something is wired backwards. Unplug it for a minute, then replug it. That should help it to find a connection. You do need to make sure the SSID is set to matching names on your pc, etc, if you can.

[wendybeth]

Meanwhile, I am trying to figure out why my new Da Vinci code game keeps trying to abort. I have all the system requirements, so it must just hate me or something.