ics 98 se issue

I am experiencing frustrating problems setting up a lan between 2, 98 machines . Sometimes (very few i must add )that they see each other..majority of the time they dont see each other.I seem to be meeting all the parameters of the adapters ,protocols and services..i have tried hub, crossover cables etc. one machine is 300 mhz with 64k ram with 56k modem . The other is a 75 mhz pentium -24ram and 33k modem. i need help.