Message that there is no network adapter and not configured. What is wrong????

I have Gateway LX6810-01 desk top runnning windows Vista Home Premium, 64 bit, 8gb RAM, Service Pack 2 and all latest updates. I connect to the internet through the LAN connection to AT&ampT Uverse broad band high speed (12gbps). This has been working for

over two years now with no problems until now. All of a sudden one day after I rebooted the machine there was no internet connection. When I went to the Network and Sharing Center I get a message that there is no network device installed. SO, I went to the

Device Manager window and there was no network device listed but when I opened the "hidden devices" there is was. (Why it is hidden I don't have a clue.) SO, I went to the BIOS and checked to be sure the LAN was "enabled" and it WAS. I still get the same

message "no network device installed". SO, then I went to the Gateway web site and downloaded the LAN driver for my machine and my LAN and REinstalled the driver. . . I STILL get the same message and I still have no connetion to the internet. WHAT could be

wrong?? Although I consider myself relatively intelligent, I am NOT a computer guru, so please be kind and state your suggestions in "non lingo" so I will understand. Thanks for your help. I have run out of ideas.

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