he nice to see some people hitting the same wall as i did...
here's what workes for me...
USE VMware!!!!! (it has the best linux support)
first in windows allow connections to be made from your ethernet adapter
next reinstall linux, as root run "dhclient" without the quotes to see if you get an IP
if you do, install VMware tools
next install all the updates available
then it should bring up eth0 during post and you should be able to surf the vast and infinet web
hope it help a little... JNAAS