Can’t release Ip autoconfig address

I have windows 98 SE and a Kingston AtherX10/100 nic card. I am unable to relase the IP address and becuase of this no longer able to use my Linksys router. I have tried releasing and renweing severeal times to get the ip addres to start with 168 instead of 169 to no avail. Are the any other was to relase this address beside IpConfig commands?
Any suggesstion for correcting this problem are greatly appreciated.