MN-700 won't work after firmware update

Sigh, I am about to throw the MN-700 away. In order to get
in working the first time I had to manually install it as
the wizard won't work. Tried for 3 days with tech support
etc...
Running windows 98SE, AMD 1.4gig, GE Force 2, on board NIC
Finally get it working and then bingo, hey a firmware
update, like a fool I click ok and then it no worky.

I have had friends over who are networking engineers that
can't make it work. It will show up on the network then
fade away, show up fade away. I only spent $40 on it but
have wasted days and days of my time.

Any suggestions, before I throw it away and buy better
gear?

Larry