ESX Install with network card issues

If you have an uncertified whitebox, e.g. a server which is not certified for ESXi 5.5, it does not appear on this list

Check the VMware Hardware Compatability Lists HCL here

The VMware Hardware Compatibility List is the detailed lists showing actual vendor devices that are either physically tested or are similar to the devices tested by VMware or VMware partners. Items on the list are tested with VMware products and are known to operate correctly.Devices which are not on the list may function, but will not be supported by VMware.

http://www.vmware.com/go/hcl

You will need to

1. obtain a driver which has been tried and tested with ESXi 5.5.

It would appear that the driver you have is not compatible or hardware you have is not compatible with ESXi 5.5

I would therefore recommend you select a network interface card, which does work with ESXi 5.5, and is on the HCL.

I would recommend you purchase the following Intel CT Desktop Adaptor, this does work with ESXi 5.5, because it's based on the popular E1000 included driver.

http://www.servethehome.com/intel-gigabit-ct-desktop-adapter-linux-esxi-windows-hyperv-solaris-open-indiana/

1. We are using a DELL XPS 8500 with a Realtek 8111E Network driver. I did the split CD for that as the native download did not detect the drivers.

Done.