I can't get my dsl modem to connect

I just reinstalled the operating system on my computer (Windows 98SE) and I am trying to reinstall my Actiontec DSL Modem (with Wireless Gateway) and connect to the internet. I can't connect. The modem installs, (it's connected by a USB to my computer) MSN installs, but the internet light on my modem is red (should be green) and I get the message that my modem can't connect to the internet. I've called my DSL provider, and he had me look in device manager and there is an exclamation point next to Internet connection Sharing, click on properties and it says the NDIS.VXD device loader for this device could not load the device driver. Code 2. So I click update driver, put my windows 98 cd in, and the wizard says the best driver for this device is already installed. I've uninstalled the modem, reinstalled it several times, still the same thing. I put my 56k modem back in my computer and I can connect to the internet through it, but not my DSL modem. Can someone please help me, my DSL provider said there is some file or something missing on my computer and I have to install whatever it is on my computer to make it work. But he didn't know what file or driver. My modem worked before on this same computer with the same operating system a week ago. It's a fresh operating system, what's the problem? Oh yea, one more thing, I went to Add/Remove Programs and clicked on windows setup, internet tools, and tried to check the internet connection sharing box (as it was unchecked, which is weird since I know I checked it to be installed when I installed my os system again.) and it won't let me check it, I get a error message saying that I need to set up my Network Hardware first.

Diagnose/troubleshooting:

Uninstalled the modem software, rebooted, installed it again.  I've unplugged the power cord to the modem to reset it.  I've done all this several times.  I even reinstalled the OS again, thinking it was faulty the first time or something

I'll take a stab at it...is your DCHP enabled on your router and is the IP address valid for the DSL provider?

You may need to configure your Internet settings before being able to connect to the Internet. Contact your provider and have them walk you through the steps that you need to take.

go to the device manager ......you know where that is/// control panel//click the  system. the icon<device manager>....now scroll down the list.....to the usb host controllers... click the properties tab now ...click the advanced tab.....and uncheck the disable usb detection error box......see if it works.....

boy have i done this a lot what i did was disconnect it from the pc then the router then the modem wait 15 seconds and reconnet in reverse order this has helped me get all 6 of mine online {kids and wife and step-daughter get real grumpy}

                                           bmacgurk