Ethernet card not working

I can't make my Ethernet card work properly, I tried to install drivers again and again but nothing happening at all. What should i do now? I don't know whats wrong since i'm connecting it after 1 month of gap, actually i shifted to some where so everything in my was de-assemble, and i'm assembling everything back again now. I'm getting this message also "A network cable is unplugged," even i have connected everything properly. I'm using DSL connection and have windows xp. Any ideas and help on how to get my ethernet card working? Thanks in advance.

Have tried installing the updated drives? In device manager right click on the ethernet device and try updating the driver. Due to the long break it could be broke from some where. See if you getting replacement.

Can you say the name and model no. of your ethernet card? Is there a ? or ! next to the NIC in the Device Manager? Did it ever work at your current location? Does your modem have both USB and an Ethernet port?

I think the next thing i would do is you should test the the network card on a another pc - ascertain whether the nic is faulty or not. if it isn't, you might have to start entertaining the idea that the thunderstorm may have done more damage than just the onboard NIC. Look in Device Manager.
Are there any "Unknown Devices" ? Or any devices with yellow "?" or "!" ? If so, one of those may be the network device. You will need to use the update driver option and point the installation wizard to the folder with the correct driver files.