Computer Help Needed!

[BigBassin144]

Since I don't know that much about computers and fear messing it up worse than it already is, I figured I'd ask you guys cause I know there's some IT guys out there as well as some that just know a hell of a lot more than I do.

My sister never uses her laptop, so I figured I could use it. But she had some problems with it and stuff not working, and I'm pretty sure there is a virus of some kind.

But before I can download some antivirus stuff, I need access to the internet, which I can't get.

So, here's some background info. If it matters, it's a Dell Insprion 5100 from back in 2003 (I know, ancient in computer time). Anyways, she has a D-Link wireless notebook adapter that I can't even get a signal on. I hooked up our USB wireless internet adapter, from our desktop and I could could pick up our wireless signal just fine.

Now, even with the signal, I can't get in to Internet explorer. When I open it, it tells me there is no connection and automatically switches to Work Offline.

Our wireless router (I think that's what I should be calling in), as well as our USB wireless adapter on our desktop and our other laptop card are all Linksys brand, so I don't know if that has anything to do with not getting a signal on the D-link adapter, but I wouldn't think so, because we've had other people at our house use our wireless signal.

Any help would be appreciated. If you need more info, I can try to find it out. Also, normal english would be appreciated instead of fancy computer jargon.

BB