Can that USB type ethernet plug have been fried ?
Oh, yes. But it's only one of many things that might be going on.
just didn't know if the plug could get fried and it IS an easy fix (above)
Easy fix? Depends. If laptop, new motherboard. If desktop, install a NIC in an expansion slot and use that. Or, USB ethernet.
MY computer is connected with an ethernet cable . . . . HERS at the other end of our mobile home is connected via the ethernet plug.
Huh, what?
What do you mean by "ethernet plug"?
Both are old school PC’s with mices.