others can't connect - I have no router

[Enidra]

I have setup a ventrilo home server on my windows xp.

I can connect using an internal ip, but others can't through my external. I've disabled both my windows firewall and my antivirus programme to make sure nothing was blocking.

I am connected to my modem through a st-lab switch.

others just gets the "connecting.." message when trying to logon.

What am I doing wrong? please avoid getting way too technical, as i'm a noob when it comes to vent.