Ok, the problem is due to Windows 9X networking is not enabled UNLESS you log in to your Windows box.

When you restart your Windows 98 box, are you given a 'login' and 'password' box?
If so, then if you click 'Cancel' it will let you in to Windows, but networking will not work.

so, what you do is enter a login name [any valid name will do, and a password - you should remember both of these for next time you reboot your machine].

Once you have entered the login name and password you should find that the ping command will now work - and you won't get Destination host unreachable.

I know it seems odd, but thats the way Windows 95/98/ME was designed - its documented in the help files somewhere

Give this a try and see how you go.
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