Can't set up internet on work laptop at home

My home computer seems to have broken, and so I am without internet access whilst it is sorted. I do have a work laptop, which I have been unable to get online. Basically the work laptop allows me to choose whether to log in to the work’s network (which I do when I use it at work) or the laptop itself (which I do from home). I have tried putting the internet cable into the laptop but the internet doesn’t work. Does anyone know, step by step, how I can get the laptop online? I have played around with the ‘set up new connection’ bits and bobs but haven’t got anywhere. My internet is Virgin broadband, and I don’t have an installation CD or IP details etc. Any help greatly appreciated. I just basically need a step by step guide, but bearing in mind the details above!

I haven't set up a virgin connection for quite a while now, so can't recall how I did it, but before getting all technical lets try a very simple thing, pull the power from the router\modem (physically remove the power), leave it 30 seconds then plug it back in, you'll be surprised how often this is all it needs, if your still stuck here is a walk through of suggestions by virgin, hopefully these will help shed some light if nothing else, hope this helps.