Question : Wireless Router and Satellite connection ... wireless connection not working

I am having a problem getting this setup to work in full. We are working with a desktop wired to the router and a laptop both wired and wireless to the router. The router is Netgear WRG614, the Toshiba laptop is using Intel Pro Wireless (integrated). We have gotten the wired solutions to work (intermittently), but the wireless solution has not become clear. I know what I am doing for the most part and I feel I am missing something simple. I have run this setup with DHCP and just tried without. I also just input the MAC address for the laptop in the router setup utility, but to no alas.
I need a full explanation of how to make this work to make sure I am not missing anything. Points galore here. The satellite connection is  Directway dw6000 modem (two way connection). There is something shady about the satellite stuff, but I have tried to focus on the base networking stuff, as the connection has proved to work at times (albeit slow).
Please let me know what else you need to know.

Thank you so much for your time!!!

Scott

Answer : Wireless Router and Satellite connection ... wireless connection not working

OK, so you're letting Windows configure your wireless card for you?  Have you tried to manually configure the settings?

>>I have to connect the modem to the uplink port in order to get to the wireless config screen
You mean the modem must be connected to the router in order for the screen to appear?  This should not be necessary.  Is your router not acting as a DHCP server?

>>I thought I had changed its ip, but somehow it defaulted.
Do you mean the router's IP, or your laptops?