Odd networking 'problem'

There must be an answer out there but I can't seem to think about what
terms to use when using search engines.

So... I'm using Windows ME, and when you go to the Control Panel and go
into Network, you see the list of network components that are installed.
If all is normal, you will see 'client for microsoft networks', an
ethernet card and below them, depending on the protocols you have
installed, you will see IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol -> Realtek ...
and the same thing for NetBeui and TCP/IP.

BUT, I've seen this a few times before and the only way I've managed to
get around it is to 'reinstall' the OS on top of itself, but you can't do
that in ME if you have upgraded Internet Explorer beyond version 5.5.
Normally upgrading from 98SE to ME would fix it but that's not an option.

I've tried deleting all network clients, adapters and protocols and then
reinstalling them but that hasn't worked either.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Like I said, I'm sure this has
been discussed but I just can't figure out what the best search words
would be to find the solution.

Thanks,
Mike