Immediate disconnect

My laptop will "Acquire IP Address" tell me its "Connected" and then immediately disconnect starting the whole process over again. I just want it to STAY connected. I've read about people changing their access point channel (which I have no idea how to do), people checking their cables (all my other pcs work fine) or simply turning it off and reconnecting after 15 seconds (I wouldn't be posting if it was that simple). So what do I need to do to get this puppy up and running? I have Atheros AR5007 if that makes a difference. Oh and I'm a computer NOOB so no complex explanations please