Hi,

I just installed a Biostar 6100-939 motherboard as part of a first time build. I am tryig to set up my internet connect (broadband cable modem via a NetGear router).

However, after a fresh install of XP-SP2, windows claims it can not find my network hardware. I started wondering if I was lacking a LAN driver.

A review of the motherboard's specs shows that it has a 10/100 LAN PHY chip from Realtek (RTL8201BL/CL).
http://www.biostar-usa.com/mbdetai [...] e+6100-939

However at the Realtek web site, regarding the RTL8201s it says:
The Ethernet hardware consists of two parts: a PHY chip, and a MAC chip. It's the MAC chip that requires the drivers. RTL8201x is a PHY only chip which does NOT need any driver at all. If you have RTL8201x in your computer system, there must be another MAC chip in the system too. Most likely, the MAC chip is embedded in the chipset. Please contact the board or computer provider to find out which MAC chip is in your system and how to get the drivers for it.
http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/phyDesc.aspx

So how do I know what MAC chip I have, if I have one at all?

If this lack of a MAC chip (or a MAC chip driver) isn't the issue, any other thoughts as to why Windows "can't see my network hardware?"

Thanks
Avram

have you installed the nForce chipset drivers as that should have an ethernet driver in it.

I actually had a similar problem myself. Go into device manager and see if you have some kind of unidentified PCI bridge. You will need to install drivers for it before the network card is recognized. I just let windows search the CD that came with the board and it found the drivers automatically, so you might want to try that.