Can Not Renew IP Address...

My laptop just recently started to give me this problem of not being able to connect to internet from time to time.
Often I try to flushdns from command prompt and it connects OK for a while but later on gives me the same problem again. When I try to repair "local area connection" often it can not RENEW IP address.
I have AVG7 Free version, Spybot, Spyware Blaster, Windows Defender and Ad-Aware SE Personal. They all are up to date with clean bills. I also have ZA 6.1.744.001 free version. My XP firewall turned off.
Any help would be appreciated.

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Do you reboot the high speed modem?

Yes Dana, sometimes I have to try rebooting the modem and even the laptop too.

hmmm.... no router either i'm guessing. I used to have an issue with w2k 'not renewing the IP address' (i think everyone did) but on xp its been good.
I would think something is blocking communication somehow. you say the xp firewall is off but does any of the extra s/w have a popup blocker enabled or its own firewall installed? when did the probelm start? did you install a new app right around the same time?
again, my quick guess is something is blocking communication

I have had the same problem I find that I disable zone alarm then I can log on with no problems then I restart zone alarm security before i procede

Hi Dana, you say "no router either". Forgive my novice question but what is Router? Do you mean my "ZyXEL Prestige 660H? Which my Laptop and PC both connect to by cable. I don't suppose Zyxel causing the problem because my PC has no problem. The firewall of Zyxel is not turned on either.
This problem started gradually, obviously I have installed few programs and things but no specific time I can remember that made this nuisance to start. The only popup blocker I use is Google.

Thank you for your answer too turkji, when it happens next time I will try to turn my ZA off and see if it will make any difference.

Thank you you two.