sorry, was used from other boards to use edit, wont do any more.

the router is dhcp enabled now, and should hand out addresses in the range of .200 to .230
restarted knoppix without any "cheatcodes", dhcp enabled.

did the commands like you stated it, no error messages on "sudo mii-tool -r"
if i run netcardconfig i get the following errors:
--- snip ---
Sende DHCP Broadcast von Netzwerkkarte eth0eth0: link up
Operation failed.
Fehlgeschlagen.
Eingabetaste zum beenden.
--- snip ---

translated to somewhat like:
--- snip ---
Sending DHCP Broadcast from nic etc0etc0: link uo
Operation failed.
Failed.
Enter to finish.
--- snip ---

cannot try on other machines atm, they're in use or wireless, going to try later on.

again, thanks a bunch :)
Nemo