There are connection issues with emplode's USB driver under Winodws XP. For some it works, others not.

Win XP supports UPnP - if you are running 2.0beta firmware on the player, you should be able to just connect the player with Ethernet and it should just work. No guarantees though.

Also, try disconnecting your cable modem from the hub - it might be causing DHCP problems.

The about option on the player will give you the current network settings.

emplode 1.0x has a section on setting up Ethernet connections in the online help.