DSL modem can no longer be detected correctly by router

I have an ongoing nightmare here getting online, going through my Netgear
router!

This "nightmare" started approx 3 weeks ago when SBC`s DSL service went down
in my area. At that time I called SBC to find out the problem and they (SBC)
walked me through disconnecting from my Netgear router (which had been
working just fine for 1 year) and connecting directly to my main computer
using a "virtual connection" to log in/username etc.

This was done at a time when it had yet to be determined where my lack of
connecting online lie...in other words, SBC had not confirmed their own
outage in my area and this disconnecting/connecting direct to a single
computer, was an attempt at "troubleshooting " the problem.

Later, SBC confirmed it was infact an SBC outage. After the outage was
"fixed" I was then able to connect direct from modem to single computer,
using the new "virtual connection".
After shutting down everything I then re-connected my router *EXACTLY* as
before, however
*NOW* my router (Netgear FM114P) detects a "FIXED IP" rather than the PPPoE
type connection as before the damn outage!!

To sum up, Netgear has sent me a replacement router to which I get the exact
same "FIXED IP DETECTED"! This "detection" is obviously the first required
step in the process of setting up the router. This should have detected
PPPoE IP !
I called SBC and received a replacement modem, the new Speed Stream 5100 B
which is a NAT device and has an actual interface like a router, along with
3 different "MODES"
#1 *PPP is on the modem* (this is the default mode)
#2 *PPP is on the computer*
#3 *Bridged Mode* (PPPoE is not used)

Mode#2 *PPP is on the computer* comes back detected by my router as:
DYNAMIC IP DETECTED however, I still can NOT get online through the router.
The router needs to detect a PPPoE IP as before!

Does anyone out there have any experience or insight into this situation? I
would be utmost gratefull if someone could at least explain to me just
where this problem lies.
Netgear and SBC both point the finger at each other, and I am caught in the
middle with just a single "direct connection" instead of my LAN consisting
of 3 other computers including a wireless Notebook.

Matt