Some come with diagnostic programs (e.g. D-Link). Otherwise, if it is showing up properly in the Device Manager and all appears well, you'll have to plug it into a network and see.
Yes, there are the programs, but also the diagnostic LED's. It should normally show if you have a link, transmit, and whether you have a 10/100 connection.
If your NIC is really broken or fried then if you plugg'd in to a HUB or switch then the light for that port probably wouldn't come on (but even that isn't 100%).
Just check drivers/config then try a direct (cross over cable) connection to another system or a uncomplicated hub connection and if it doesn't work buy a new NIC their cheap (you should be able to get a DLink [or other good brand] 10/100 for <$30 probably <$20)
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