frequent internet disconnection

I have a belkin ethernet cable and my computer every 3 seconds or so will show the double computer icon at the bottom right corner that it has no connection, then in another 3 seconds say that it will have connection. Any help on this issue would be much appreciated thanks.

 

Computer disconnecting

There could be many causes but to make it simple-

It all comes down to systematic diagnosis.
1) First is the ethernet cable good. Are the ends good.
Try another cable.

2) Do you have a seperate network card or is an integrated card - that is is it part of the motherboard

- first of all check in your hardware device tree that there is no question mark or exclamation point by the network card. If there is then the driver for the network card is not installed properly . It should say " this device is installed properly ".

3) If you do have a built in integrated network card that is usually the first culprit. Try installing a PCI network card or a usb one if you have it and the drivers.

- if you have xp your life is easy . It should autointall. Reboot after install and go from there. If you have an older machine and a more obscure card ( SMC for example) and it will not automatically set up in Windows 98 either find the driver and download on another computer or if you are stuck either find a card that automatically installs in Windows or buy a new card with a driver disk

4) If the above two do not solve your problem try attaching a router to let it sign on to the system .
See if that solves the problem.
It could even be something with your ISP or lines to your house but I bet you that if you have an integrated network card that is your problem.