Computer doesnt see router

Have a msi 865pe neo2-p motherboard with built in ethernet. have a Dlink dsl 520 t modem/router. the computer does not see the router at all, i go to ipconfig there is nothing. Same with status on lan connection in control panel. I have had everything running fine before but had a computer meltdown and had to reinstall everything. The way I got it to work before was by using a driver I found on the net ,and yes I know routers dont need drivers, but it seems mine does ??!? Have no idea how to proceed now, cant find the driver on the net again. two days of headache anyone got any ideas.