Can’t pull IP…

I have a new dell inspiron5100 w/ WinXP in the shop…The lan shows connected at 10mbps, but it will not pull an external IP (currently 169.x.x.x something)…Therefore, I have no access to any of my network (Win2K Server) or cable modem…Runs through a switch…No firewall currently enabled…Have tried on another similar network, with no luck…Any ideas???

Brian
STS