I believe you have to set up a Network connection via Control Panel first...even though it's a cable connection.
I had to do this with a USB to USB cable i used awhile ago.
NOTE: Both machines have to be in the same Workgroup for this to work.
But i agree with the above...it's not Vista's fault.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...hxG_n9mGABCbHA