Back from trip and having another look at PC problem.
Liam, thanks for the offer of help but unfortunately I can't download anything because I can't log the PC on to the internet. I am sending this via a Mac.
I have checked all the NTL broadband settings and these all appear to be in order. I have disconnected the PC from the router and have tried to access the net directly through the NTL cable modem which is working correctly.
I initially thought there might be a problem with the PC talking to the router but everything is set up for auto connection so I can't really see how it could be a problem.
I will check the seating of the ethernet card (which on first examination does seem a little wobbly) and may also try to connect via a USB lead
I suppose the next thing to do is reload the drivers and reload IE6 or even Windows 98 SE which I use on my ancient PC. After that I will join the queue to talk to the NTL techies.
Dunno what else I can do, except get a better PC. Any thoughts?