router won't connect to the internet

[Alex]

The problem is that troubleshooting network issues can be pretty difficult without seeing the specific setups and everything.

However, about this paragraph:

And why would I need a password to connect via router and not directly through the modem?

When you connect directly with the computer you should still need a password and user ID. However, it is probably already established and autoprovided by the connecting tool on your computer (this is how it was when I had Verizon DSL 18 months ago). I don't remember if that ID and password was the same as for logging in to the Web site.

I might be able to figure it out for you if I were there but trying to visualize it all in my head isn't working too well for me. And I'm on cable now, which connects differently, so I can't even use my settings to compare.

One big cautionary note to add, though. If you are connecting directly to through the modem you absolutely need to make sure you have a firewall installed on the computer itself. You may have been relying on the built in firewall from the router but the modem itself doesn't off any of that protection.

Since you're trying to set up from scratch I would suggest you go ahead and try customer support again. They may prove just as unhelpful but at least initial network setup is something they should have well scripted.