(Win 98+WinXP+Internet+Home LAN) Problem

I have a WinXP PC with dial-up internet connection. I have just connected a Win98 PC using a cross cable to the WinXP. I am trying to share Internet connection and possibly printing. The NICs seem to be working fine. But the two PCs don’t seem to see each other; though, occasionaly I have seen the Win98 PC in the network places of WinXP PC, but never the other way round.
I’ve read tens of troubleshooting messages and forums about similar situations, but nothing seems to work. I’ve tried almost everything, but nothing seems to work!
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, but any help will be highly appreciated.
Thankx.