Modem/Router not recognised by Vista x64

Hi
I have a very frustrating problem with Vista X64.

I have tried to install a Netgear DG834G v3 Moden/router to replace the USB
modem I was using. Vista refuses to recognise it, IE will not talk to it's
setup but all the correct lights are on on the box.

I have Virtual server and virtual PC on this machine so I tried first with
Virtual server 2k5 running SBS 2k3,opened IE, entered the setup address
(http://192.168.0.1), voila! straight in set-up the box connected to the
internet first time, saved settings, closed connection, used web as normal.
closed the VS and opened Virtual PC 2k7 running XP Pro same results as VS.
closed VPC tried IE in Vista again and Nothing, not a twinge.

The network connection is set to Private and it does not even list the
modem/router,I tried to ping the address and it timed out.

so why can programs running inside vista access the net and vista itself
can't?

I even turned the firewall off just in case and my AV is from Avast.

--
NS