can't connect to windows explorer ?

When I click on internet explorer today nothing happens and there is a message telling me a network cable is unplugged. My control panel shows DRAY TEK VIRTUAL INTERFACE NETWORK CABLE UNPLUGGED FIRE...TAP WIN32 ADAPTER V8. I can access the internet via my free AOL mail account. Can anyone shed any light on this. I have checked all the cables in the back and everything is securely fixed in.