assuming your windows is intalled right and drivers installed and net connection is enabled..
once your pc is fully booted up
start->>run
type in cmd hit enter
you get dos prompt.
type in ipconfig
you get an ip address your all good.
if you want to see it in the notification area you have to go into the network connections right click on the local area connection
choose status. then in the window choose properties
tick the two boxes at the bottom
[]show in notification when connected.
[]limited no connectivity
and whoolah! the little monitor icons will show next to your clock
hope that helps