Network adapter works sometimes and other times doesnt register

The Intel(R) 82579LM Gigabit Network adapter works about 40% of the time.
The other 60% it says there is a hardware issue and it cannot connect.
I then generally fiddle around with the ethernet cable ie unplug it plug it back in move it around again and restart.
This sometimes works and I have no problems. Then when I restart my computer its a whole game on whether I can get it working again or not.

I have the latest drivers, and it is not a firewall/security issue.

Any ideas on what the problem may be?

It is now giving me a code 10 saying it cannot start
Just restarted and it is working again. This is madness...

Have you tried changing the ethernet cable?

Yes, I've tried 3 different cables

Code 10 usually relates to a hardware or driver issue. As the problem is intermittent the hardware is the most likely cause and you've updated the driver. If it's a desktop I'd try a replacement adapter.