Newbie - Is the Firewall blocking the LAN?

I have connected a prototype to my laptop via a crossconnected network cable.
But I get a warning that the Local Area connection has limited or no connectivity?
Might this be a Firewall blocking problem?
When I Go to the firewall settings
-General: Firewall OFF
-Advanced- Network connection settings: Windows Firewall is enabled for the connections below:
Local Area Connection

I can’t unclick the Local area network?? I end up in advanced settings where I can choose Services or ICMP???

(Windows XP)

That message tends to suggest your laptop is expecting an IP address from a DHCP server but hasn't received one. Try setting a fixed IP address on your laptop network card