Hey, so here is my problem:
When i try and connect mine and my brothers computer using a local area connection nothing HAPPENS. I plug the cord into both computers and it thinks the cord is still unplugged. Both computers work networking to ANOTHER computer using the same cord. I have tried restarting and updating the drivers on bother computers. I also tried a different cable but still the same problem. Please help me!

My Computer:
Compaq Presario V6126TU Notebook
WINDOWS XP sp3
1.6Ghz CPU
504mb RAM

My brother computer:
Compaq Presario 2270AS Notebook
Windows XP sp3
1.3Ghz CPUWhat happens when you PING the IP address of your brother's computer?

Do you know what the IP address is of your brother's computer? Hey i can not ping my brothers computer because i can not find his ip aaddress.
In the command prompt when i type in ipconfig /all i get:

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . .:PC265891366994
Primary DNS Suffix. .:
NODE Type. . . . . . . .:Broadcast
Ip Routing Enabled .:No
WINS Proxy Enabled:No
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Media State : Media disconnected
Realtek : RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet NIC
Physical Address : 00-C0-9F-7A-9A-80

when i ping my computer from my brothers computer i get "Destination host unreachable"R u using a patch (straight) cable or crossover to connect the PC's. To network (connect) 2 PC u need one of the FOLLOWING:
A- switch, hub or router
B- a cross over cable
U can not just plug a patch (straight) from one PC to the other. It will not work. Follow the link for a crossover connection.
http://www.home-network-help.com/crossover.html