Begin with Control panel - Network Connections - Disable the Wireless icon if you see one and select the Local Area Connection -
You are not connecting to the Internet - the router is permanently connected to that - You're making a Network Connection.
Do the same on the laptop and right click on the Wireless Icon - select view available networks - disconnect from your own - the strongest signal - then reconnect and select repair connection - and see what happens.
You may have to type in a Wireless Key - often printed on the case of the router.
Good luck...
Peccavi
November 2010