Xbox Live Nerds Please Help!?

OK well I just got xbox live and the only way I can hook it up it by ICS. I have my ethernet cable from my console into my laptop and I have my local area connection shared with my wireless connection so it is connected to the internet but it refuses to connect to Live. I have unblocked all the neccessary ports and my firewall but it still wont work.

So basically what is everything i need to do to get it connected to live through ICS sharing? Links help out but im sure ive already been to all of them

Ive spend a total of 13 hours the past 4 days trying to figure this out and im just at a dead point

Suggestion:

have you paid for an xbox live gold account? if not, you will not connect!
go to a local retailer and get a gold membership (3 month, or 12 month)

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