Cant connect laptop to network?

ok... i have a compaq computer that i am using a wire to connect to the modem... but instead of recognizing the connection internet explorer wont work and the 1394 connection isnt sending or receiving anything but the local area connection is sending very little and receiving very little.. and i tried to repair my connection and it says "windows could not finish repairing the problem because the following action cannot be completed TCP/IP is not enabled for this connection. connot proceed. for istance, contact the person who manages your network." i want the laptop to be able to connect with a wire... and it wont please help