My network adaptor is not recognised

[johnlock]

I downloaded the Knoppix boot program and burned a CD. I use a BenQ Joybook 8000 Laptop with a National Semiconductor DP83815/816 10/100 MacPhyter PCI adaptor. My Laptop booted up under Linux but my network adaptor was not recognised. In fact the little flashing light on my adaptor was dead. Even, if under restart, I remove the CD, my computer opens under Windows XP but the broadband connection is still dead. The only way to restore, is to shut down the computer completely and do a cold start under Windows XP, the network adapter is then recognised and my broadband connection is restored. Does anybody have any ideas? Thanks for your help.

[fedorajim]

did you download and install the drivers for your network card???

[loft306]

the driver/module for this nic is supported in the kernel

< > National Semiconductor DP8381x series PCI Ethernet support

• This driver is for the National Semiconductor DP83810 series,
  which is used in cards from PureData, NetGear, Linksys
  and others, including the 83815 chip.
  More specific information and updates are available from
  http://www.scyld.com/network/natsemi.html

now to figure out what this would be called if it was built as a module?
and then you would simply in a root shell

modprobe name_of_module

then you would have to start and configure the nic and there is a toor under netwerk in one of the main menu's