hmmm, the switch most likely has a web interface for it, there you can enable/disable dhcp and all that good stuff. like i said try and find that manual, but if you cant you might be able to set the IPs manually if windows feels like co-operating (dont hold your breath). i have no idea on how to set on under 98 since i havent used it in ages (try finding the network card in the control panel or something like that and going to properties) with XP ill give you the basic run down of it, some of the other guys are gonna have to clear up the stuff i screw up cuz im doing this all from memory (i havent had windows on my computer since september) ok here it goes:
right click on 'My Computer'
Click Properties and select the device manager tab
Find your ethernet card in the list, it'll be under Network devices
Click Properties and it will be under one of those tabs
now the ip addresses for both of the computers should be 192.168.1.something (anything above 2 here will work, 1 is usually the switch/router) and the subnet should be 255.255.255.0
if i was there it would ALOT easier, it would also be easier (for me to help you) if i was on a windows box but windows=teh SuX0R
justin maybe u can help him more then me, i never was really that good with network stuff... i could ask my friend/cousin brandon (im serious
we found out we were cousins beginning of sr year, it was freaky) if he could help you, hes awesome with network stuff.