HELP !!! Trying to set up a home network

[Guest]

I'm trying to network my XP pro to my boys 98SE through 2 LAN Ethernet cards and a straight link cable. Both machines see the cards, but all I get on my XP is "connection failed. cable unplugged". I've checked continuity of cable.
This is new to me and am a bit lost. Ive tried the connection wizard but that tells me to connect cable. Do I need to go through a hub for just 2 machines. I really dont know....

 

[jesse]

you do not need to use a hub or router but you do have to
make sure that the cable you are using is a "crossover"
cable not just a plain cat5, there is a difference. if
you have any more questions email me.

Jesse

-----Original Message-----
I'm trying to network my XP pro to my boys 98SE through

2 LAN Ethernet cards and a straight link cable. Both
machines see the cards, but all I get on my XP
is "connection failed. cable unplugged". I've checked
continuity of cable.

This is new to me and am a bit lost. Ive tried the

connection wizard but that tells me to connect cable. Do
I need to go through a hub for just 2 machines. I really
dont know....