Can't Obtain Valid IP Addy On Wired Host Computer. Help!

Greetings All.
While in the process of resetting my DSL modem & in turn my Linksys router,
I can't obtain a valid IP addy - this is what my ISP is telling me @ least.
This is the first time I've been locked out.(Not the first time I've had to
reset my modem/router;-) When running winipcfg on my WIN 98SE desktop, the
addy doesn't release. When I renew the addy, I either get hung up or I get
the hourglass o'death w/an error message that I get no response from DHCP(?)

My ISP claims all is well on their end - which in part is true, all lights
on & solid on the modem. But I can't get the addy to refresh itself on my
computer. My husband still can connect(lucky him!,) on his laptop running
XP.(& obviously it is his computer I'm using now!)

Is there ANYTHING I can do/try before I must make the dreaded phone call &
be put on hold for an eternity??

TIA