i have unplugged and replugged in the bloody things more times then i care to think about

the thing i dont quite get is that i can get most of the way through installation, and it does succesfuly contact the telewest server before freezing just beforei get to setting up email section.
im using ehternet on other pc and have no problems at all with it.
have switchedd off all windows security and first thign i load after reinstalling is telewest, no other virus software or anything on computer.
is there anyway of using the usb connection long enough so i can get to my pc's maintenance site and check the drivers on ethernet card?