When using VMWare you need to have configured it properly for network access via the host machine. Apart from that, you'll need to figure out what the network environment presented by VMWare is - Gateway, IP etc. -- Somehow I don't think VMWare has a DHCP server included

Once you have all this setup, and the information needed, go to System -> Administration -> Networking

After that, look for Ethernet Connection, and open the properties dialogue. Put in the info. Should be good to go now.