problem with network and two desktop pcs

i have two compaq desktop pcs and also a compaq laptop. i had the two desktops and also a cable modem connected to a netgear switch and all was good. then i decided to use some wireless products i had to connect the laptop so i plugged the access point into the switch and the laptop connected and that was great. now i decided i wanted to use a desktop so i went to it and it had limited or no connectivity and i tried the repair option which said unable to renew ip address on both desktops. i alsotried the sp2 fix on this site. (all computers are running xp sp2) the laptop is home and also is one of the desktops, the other is pro. i thought the wireless access point could be the problem so i disconnected that and it didnt help. i then decided to try to connect the laptop with a wired ethernet connnection through a built in ethernet port. to my surprise, it connected quickly and worked flawlessly. then i reconnected a desktop and both of those arewere still getting the same problem of limited or no connectivity. please help this just doesnt seem logical unless my laptop is the devil!

 

Is any of this USB or is it all wired or wireless ethernet?

 

nothing is usb but after restarting my computer again and disabling and enabling the connnection i got one of the desktops to connect and then i tried the wirless one again because i had it disconnected and it had the limited or no connectivity issue. what i really want is to atleast have the two desktops working again and the wirless will be tried with other products later the present ones are linksys and i have a netgear switch

 

OK.

When you say "working" does that mean both internet and local network access?

When you speak of a Netgear switch, is that only a switch or is it a router switch? In fact, what specific device is it?

 

the network is basically only used for sharing my cable connnection. so when it is working, it is connected without the limited or no connectivity issue and i am able to use the internet. it is a netgear model fs105 fast ethernet switch. five port. the thing is, this has worked before and ever since i tried the wireless components it hasnt.