Ethernet card not working - this device cannot start.

[slname]

After just getting my laptop back from a repair (my fan was dying) just a week ago, it seems that my ethernet card is also failing.

After a restart or something, I noticed I couldn't connect to the Internet. I thought it was my router but the device manager said it's my ethernet card, saying "This device cannot start(10)".
The Event Viewer says it's Event ID 24 and that I should put the newest drivers. I did that, I also tried disabling then enabling the card, uninstalling it completely and other usual things, but nothing helps, I always get the same error.

I'm using Vista Home Premium, but have also tried booting into my XP Pro, and I have the same problem there.

Is it a hardware failure or is it software?

I have a Thinkpad R61, the card is Intel 82566MC. I have tried running a test in Lenovo System Toolbox, but that says that my card is disabled.

I'm desperate for help, I don't want to take my laptop to get a repair again

[RealBlackStuff]

If you are using Access Connections, try disabling it and let Windows manage your connections.
Check that the ZeroConfig service is started (Start/Run/services.msc)

[slname]

I'm using Windows to manage my networks.

I loaded the Ubuntu live cd and the same thing happened, the ehternet card was greyed out.

I managed to get it work again, I shut down the computer, unplugged it and removed the battery, put it back together and booted the computer back on which somehow "fixed it". But I'm afraid it's a hardware issue and that it's going to fail sooner rather than later... :/

[RealBlackStuff]

Try this: go into Device Manager and DISable the card, then ENable it again. It should now work.

[slname]

Try this: go into Device Manager and DISable the card, then ENable it again. It should now work.

As I said in my first post, I tried that. It obviously wasn't a software issue, as it happened in both Windows versions plus in Ubuntu. I only managed to get it to work by completely unplugging the computer from power when it was turned off.