Windows ME and use of the NET command

When trying to execute a batch file at the MSDOS prompt of
a WinME workstation, which uses the NET command to map a
network drive after connecting to a corporate LAN through
a VPN connection, we get the following results...

C:\>net use g: \\192.100.100.3\mar_circ$

Error 3545: You cannot start or stop the network from
within an MS-DOS window.

When using a Win2000 workstation under the exact same
conditions, the NET command works like a charm. Anyone
have any ideas how I can successfully map a network
resource on this ME workstation... without upgrading it to
a more robust OS?