Ethernet connection problems MBP ??

[17luv]

Hello, first thanks for looking! I am not exactly for sure even how to describe the problem. I had my cable modem unplugged earlier today and then when I turned it back on my router wasn't working right (???). So for the first time since getting my MBP I directly connected the ethernet cord to my MBP and nothing happened. So I went into preferences and messed around trying to get it to find the ethernet connection and while scanning the Airport icon showed 5 bars but the scan never found anything and pages in firefox never came up. I disconnected the cable from my MBP and plugged it in my desktop to search the forums here, and looking over at the laptop it STILL shows 5 bars even though my cable modem is hooked by ethernet cord/cable directly into my desktop?!?
How can I connect to the internet with my MBP with my ethernet cord?? And is this normal having a strong signal indicator when the wireless router is down and my cable modem is hooked directly into another computer??? Again thanks in advance!

 

[mad jew]

Could the AirPort be connected to a different/neighbour's wireless network? Try turning AirPort off and then reconnecting the ethernet cable.

 

[17luv]

Thanks! Tried that too, my neighbor uses another router and mine is a belkins and the Airport icon says it has full signal strength on belkins. It is sitting right next to the cable modem but I really think something is wrong with the router but still I should be able to connect with the ethernet cable/cord (I would think :\ )