I have ATT DSL, and have always used separate hardware for the modem and the router. My old router was Speedstream, and the current one is D-Link, but no reason why Netgear shouldn't work too.
So you're connecting phone line > modem > router > computer. Is the router > computer connection wired or wireless?
When you connect it all and power up, are there any diagnostic clues from flashing lights on the modem or router?