Difficult Networking Problem..Possible broken port

[sid]

Hello , I am having issues with Nforce Networking port on a Asus p5ne-sli mobo.

This problem doesn't appear to be OS specific as I have tried linux/windows variants. I have also loaded bios defaults

The port is unable to obtain an IP address via dhcp?? Clearly this would point to a configuration problem, but it has happened with w7 and freenas and other live usb discs which I have tried.

I have tried different network cables and changed ports on network switch.
In windows 7, it says the network is connected. Green lights are flashing on network ports on mobo and also at router end. The ip it obtains is in the 169.xx.x.xx range not 192.168.xx.xx range
Freenas sets ip to 0.0.0.0

router is VM superhub with dhcp server enabled. A multitude of other devices don't have any issues just this motherboard.

I should point out that I was trying to setup freenas and it worked only once, after a restart, this computer has not been able to get a network ip. Manual settings do not work either..

It could just be broken but I appreciate any sensible solutions

 

[sid]

As per OP , I have tried different cables and ports on the routers/switches.

I don't have a separate router to test but the dhcp server is fine for all other devices.

I think I will order another NIC to test I guess.

I dont think this is a driver problem as it happens in different OS'es

 

[sid]

Check the router first. The "VM superhub" is an obvious weak link.
Just because other devices seem to work doesn't rule it out. I seriously doubt it's the most reliable router going by all the bad things written on here about VM.

What exactly should I check?
I have done the obvious and reset it

 

[sid]

This turned out to be the network port in the end.

I wonder how it is possible to damage it? Also with regards to the mac address suggestion, is it possible to for the port to loose if the motherboard battery dies?

Cheers