Can't setup internet connection

[talltony]

I'm in France at a mates place and was hoping to use my laptop on his broadband (not wireless)connection.Before I left,I checked with my local computer shop and was told to 'just plug it in'.Tried that, LAN is set to 'on',but no connection.His PC connects OK so its not a problem with the ISP.I've only ever used my laptop wirelessly so I'm struggling here!
Any ideas,please?
Tony

 

[ianf]

Cable? Need to register the MAC address of your pc against the Cable Modem?

 

[talltony]

Turned out to be a faulty outlet on the router,one works but the other doesn't!
Thanks anyway,
Tony