Problems connecting 98SE to new internet b/band connection

I have an aging Dell desktop running 98SE into which I've installed an
ethernet network card to enable me to connect to my new broadband internet
connection. I've manually configured the connection ('cos no one writes
set-up software for 98 anymore), and the internet connection works a treat as
my XP laptop connects successfully.

On my 98SE desktop, in setting up the Internet Connection through Control
Panel - Internet Options - Connections, I've turned off my old dial-up
connection.
In LAN Settings I have nothing set.
I click SetUp "To Setup an Internet Connection" to get to the Internet
Connection Wizard. I then select the following...
I want to connect through a LAN.
I connect through a LAN.
LAN Internet Configuration I leave blank (don't select any poxies or
auto-config scripts).
I select No to not setup Internet Mail.
When I get to Finish, I leave the tick-box set for Connect Immediately.

Explorer 6 then starts and fails immediately because it "has encountered a
problem and needs to close." (But it does apologise for the inconvenience...)
The error signature is...
appname: iexplore.exe
appver: 6.0.2800.1106
modname: unknown
modver: 0.0.0.0
offset: 00771177

I've run a repair of IE; tried Firefox (which returns "Server Not Found");
and running OE to see if I can connect to a mailserver, OE fails because it
also "has encountered a problem and needs to close."

As Keith in Oregon says: "I'm running out of ideas other than buying a new
computer - again and again and again - which I would rather not do. Hate
designed obsolescence. Help ????"

Witsend, from nowhere near Oregon.