Hi Smurfy,
Yes, I suspected that I was not going to be able to remove that NIC -- it is the original I am using, the original port that's part of the motherboard.
The idea of purchasing an add-on card might be a good idea, perhaps it might give a little more life to this computer. I might also try running a shorter ethernet cable just directly across the room before purchasing another one, just to see if the current 100-ft cable is the problem (it's only a year old, though). I can also try reinstalling that driver, as you suggested.
You're right, the hardware just may be dying off. But if buying a $10 or $20 NIC could give me a little more life for now, I might be able to purchase a new computer a bit easier at the beginning of next year. If I'm able to fix the problem, I'll let you all know! Thank you!
Mrs.Lufbra