networking laptop and desktop

I have a win98FE laptop Toshiba 2065cds amd k-2 366mhz 96mb ram and a 1.8ghz P4 winXP

I want to network the two together..., for a programming project

I had the two computers networked previously but both computers have been reformatted since then.

I tried to do what I did before and follow the tutorials at praticallynetworked.com but I have had no luck...

what I have found odd is that the PCMCIA NIC of the laptop is always red on the led on the left, I believe that is the link led
The desktop's nic has both lights on yellow always on...

when I try to ping each of them, I get time outs..., I put the IP addresses at 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2

the computers are connected directly with a crossover cable...

thanx in advanced,
Byan

I know you have tried this but I will say it anyway. Are you sure your cable is good?

It should be, I have used this cable on multible occasions....

but then again, it could be the cable, this weekend I'll test it out on my friends computers...

thanx again,
Byan

I tried it today..., the cable works...., I really dont know what the problem is...

thanx again,
Byan