Question : Network Cable Unplugged

dealing with a Dell Inspiron laptop here running WinXP SP2

I've an ethernet cable here which has a fully working cable modem attached to it...

If I plug in this cable to the ethernet port at back of this Dell laptop - beside "local area connection" the red "X"
does not go away and "network cable unplugged" remains. Usually, as you will all be well aware when you plug in the the ethernet cable the red "X" clears off and you are connected to the net - not on this one though!

To prove my point I've two other computers here - the exact same connection (using same cable) works fine.

I've checked the Device Manager and there are no yellow attension marks beside the Broadcom Nic - I've even reinstalled
it to see if that would help but it did not...

So opinions on this one would be much appreciated...

Answer : Network Cable Unplugged

obviously your looking at a LINK detection feature, now being this cable suposedly works in other pc's ,,, have you looked at the PINS in the hole? are they straight.. connectable when you put the cable in... you hear a CLICK when inserted?? please try ANOTHER - DIFFERENT cable?