"In windows 2000, I got a couple of unsupported devices- an ISA to PCI bridge. I tried getting drivers for them, but they were only made for windows 95 and therefore wouldn't install. This is an old motherboard (intel 440 chipset), and I think that may be where some of the problem lies. This is just a half baked theory, but I think it may have something to do with compatability of new NICs and old motherboards with the OS. Again, this is just a theory, but it's my best guess at this point."
Not likely to be a problem here. Windows is stopping support for older computers as the OS evolves. Linux will support stuff that would normally hit the landfill if Windows was the only choice (one reason for its popularity in 3rd world countries). I have a 440BX board. Its one of the most popular chipsets of the time and I am typing to you on it right now. The card I connect with is a Linksys Network Everywhere Fast Ethernet 10/100 model NC100 (rev 11). It ain't that old. It works.
" I'm reinstalling fedora and going to see if I can get her crankin'. If not, I'll try the mandrake I'm downloading (unless someone has a better idea)."
Of course, I endorse the use of a distro I have had such good luck with.
I wanna suggest something that nobody mentioned in this thread. I don't know if you tried this yet, but have you tried plugging the cable into a different port on the router??