Often, when ESXi doesn't recognize the built-in network controller, adding a controller it does recognize is the easiest way.

Most things Intel, Broadcom, or Mellanox/Nvidia. Check VMware's hardware compatibility list for that version of ESXi.

Check here if your hardware is supported https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=io If it isn't you might be SOL, but can always look up answers specific to your hardware and esxi version. I assume you're running Esxi 8. May have to change your hardware. If this is for learning esxi for work/job stuff you need to invest in compatible hardware. If it's just to have a host, try proxmox or something compatible with your equipment. Anytime you install something like this, you need to check compatibility. Also, for future reference, when asking questions of this nature you should provide more info. Like hardware you're using, version of the installation, exact error message, where in the process this error occurred,installing to bare metal or in a VM. A solid answer will depend on the information given. A lot of people don't even want to interact with someone who gives so little information to the problem. There are too many variables.This isn't a dig at you, you probably didn't know, just trying to help you out in the future. Good luck!