Go to network connections, see if the connection is enabled, if not try enableing it, if that doesn't work, right click your ethernet connection, choose properties, right click TCP/IP, then choose properties, see whats checked, either get ip automatically or use static.
I'm assuming your on a DHCP network if not you'll have to enter the information manually (ip, subnet, gateway and dns).
That is the point... there is no connection. I can fix it or set it up if there was one to act upon. Thanks for taking the time though.

Seek&Destroy, the first link looks like a good hit! Thanks a bunch!