what is the make, model, and model number of pc??
laptop or desktop??
do you have sp3, and ie8 downloaded to install before connecting to internet??
=============
Have you tried to repair the connection by going to network connections, right clicking your connection and then choosing repair??
Do not know if this will work until you are updated and fully patched.
let me know what error message is in dialog box when you attempt this,
it might also be a faulty driver, which is why I need the info above to see if there is an updated driver for your pc.