Pete
It does sound like you have a different problem from the OP who was getting steady direct connection. Good Luck with trying cloning although I have my doubts. I think the VM dhcp server just issues an ip address to the mac address so it doesn't know if it's a PC or a router. Switching the modem off, etc and pluggin any piece of equipment (set for dhcp) with a mac address into it, switch back on and the mac address should be issued with an IP address.
Don't know why your w2k PC isn't working and your and your Vista is. Is the nic OK? set for dhcp? If after switching off modem and connecting laptop, you get ip address every time, I'd be looking to see if there's a fault with the PC nic or set up. I know how frustrating it is, been in your shoes often, sometimes it's better to go back to the start. Good luck
