My wife just checked into Manhattan Heights few nights ago and she is experiencing the same problem with hard wire connection. Windows report "A Network cable is unplugged" (red cross on two terminal icon), no matter what she tries. Appears to be a wide spread problem in the building.
The "wall connection" in her room is RJ45, and I assume all the connections are that way. It should be, anyway. The building is supposed to be centrally networked. Should be no need to use any modem/gateway. Just plug in the Cat cable and connect to your NIC that's enabled.
Here's something curious. She was able to connect through a non encrypted wireless connection that was available in her room at 54Mbps. Most likely someone near her room does have a live connection.
Management was no help, didn't even know if they're providing wired or wireless connection to the residents..... They initially instructed her to call the phone company, but realized later in that they do provide wired internet connection and provided her with additional Cat cable.
It seems that the building IS wired and has the proper hardware (?). Just not configured correctly. Point is, request needs to be made to the management to have competent personnel trouble shoot the system.
Skysaw