98se machine default gateway

My main pc runs xp sp2 and linked to this is a sweex adsl router, my second
pc is a 98se one that go's on the internet without any problems, however my
third pc also runs 98se and after running the netsetup floppy from the xp
machine does not give the default gateway, all other settings appear to be as
the second machine, I tried a sweex pci lan card initially on 3rd pc but
after being unable to get to work I changed this for a vivanco usb connector
both with the same result(no default gateway, thus not being able to get on
the internet)
Any help would be appreciated.