can't get two pc's to work with home networking?

i'm using a netgear DG834G router to try and connect my two pc's together but can't get the damned things to work, by the way the netgear was bought as a package ( Wireless ADSL network starter kit ), i've had it for over a year now and keep putting it back in the box when i can't get the two pc's to work, both pc's run windows xp. the router is a DG834G and a WG111 54Mbps wireless USB 2.0 Adapter, can anybody help please