I am using Windows 7 and I get a 169.254.x.x ip address

A 169.254.x.x means the computer has physical ethernet Link, but cannot get an IP address from your router. You can try following things:

• use another ethernet cable
• try use wifi if available
• use another computer or smartphone to check if the router is working, and check router log for errors
• if you know the IP of the router, set a static IP on your computer.

You are set up for a DHCP server but the DHCP server was not found so your system defaults to Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA). Normally your router would provide your DHCP IP addressing unless you have a static IP. If your router was provided by your ISP then I suggest you contact your Internet Provider.