Router won't connect to new network

Hi, there,

First off, thanks to all who are reading. I recently got Comcast broadband, and hardwired that up to my laptop (there are two laptops in the home, no desktops) just fine. I bought a Linksys WRT54G2 wireless router and went through all of the steps on the CD--connected all the wires, set up the network name and created a password, etc. Here's the thing--my laptop will connect to other available networks, but not the one I had just created. When I click on it, it asks me for a network key (I have put in both the security key that was provided, and the password I created, not sure which it wants), and then it tells me it's acquiring the network address, but never gets anywhere.

I have an Intel Pro Wireless 2200BG network adapter, if it matters. I have Windows XP SP2. I uninstalled McAfee Security Center because I felt it might be interfering. I still have Sygate installed. I did hit the MAC spoofing button in my wireless settings, in an attempt to get the other laptop connected (it is my understanding I must do that with Comcast; correct me if I'm wrong).

I greatly appreciate any advice. Also, if you can speak to me in layman's terms, even better! I try to be computer-literate, but sometimes get flustered and over-analyze things.

 

Works, but isn't secure

Thank you, Tony, for your help. I did as you said, and was able to connect both laptops to the unsecured wireless network. As soon as I changed the router settings back to secured, I was kicked off the network and could not reconnect (it behaved the same way as the original problem--continually acquiring the network address and never moving past that step).

So, right now, I have both computers on the unsecured network, but I feel uncomfortable leaving it vulnerable like that. I really can't figure out what the issue is...if you have any other suggestions, I'd be grateful!