The installer fails with a "no network adapters found" error.
If you are installing VMware ESX or ESXi on a server with newer hardware, you might run into issues where the default installer cannot detect your network cards (NICs) or storage controllers. This usually means you need to provide a (or driver disk image) during or after the installation process. Esx Driver Cd
How to Use an ESX / ESXi Driver CD for Custom Installations The installer fails with a "no network adapters found" error
If your device is not recognized, press (or follow the on-screen prompt for advanced options) to specify boot options, or look for the prompt to add a driver. How to Use an ESX / ESXi Driver
Swap the ESXi installation CD with your when prompted by the system.
Swapping physical discs is rare today. The modern and most reliable way to handle missing drivers is to create a custom installation ISO with the drivers already baked in.