a little update. I can now connect directly from the cable modem to the laptop, without the wireless, and also without the router, so my guess is it's one of those things.
so, i can connect the laptop wired to the cable modem, and i can connect the desktop to the cable modem wired. I can not connect the wireless to the laptop. It says it is working, but nothing comes up.
I have school today, but will continue to work on it tonight, thanks for all your help so far guys
kruseman