wireless connection gone

I was recently traveling with my Inspiron E1505 Laptop. My laptop has Microsoft XP and not Vista. I was able to connect to hotel WiFi's with no problem but a few days later i realized that my Wireless Connection icon was missing. I had not noticed because I was using the ethernet cord instead for a faster connection than the spotty hotel WiFi network. When i go Control Panel>Network and Internet Connections>Network Connections it only has 1394 Connection and Local Area Connection there. The Laptop connects to a 2.4 GHz 802.11b Linksys Wireless Access Point Router that is hooked up to a Cable Modem that is running off an XPS T500(8-10 years old) Im not very familiar with the names and meanings that appear while looking around the wireless settings, properties, etc. I do have a fair understanding about computers from past experiences and spelunking. The Setup and Connection Wizards and all the other ones have me at a loss because I see no change when I finish them, but i have left some blank or go on gut instinct for minor requests so I dont screw up this Laptop.

So basically my problem is that I dont have any idea of how to get the Wireless Network Connection option back and in the same place as the 1394 and Local Area Connections. Also, the WiFi light (next to the Caps, Num, and Scroll Lock Lights) is not turning on. The only way I know how to turn the WiFi light on or off is by the "Fn"+ "F2" the F2 has a blue radio tower on it.

Ive dealt with the non-responding WiFi light before when my computer was dropped of a bed from a height of 2-3 feet. it was a couple of months before it was fixed and luckly the Wireless Card thingy had only been dislogded from its proper place and was not busted. So until now the WiFi light has always been on and Wireless Network connection always appeared in the Network Connections List.

Sorry that this is somewhat long but I'd thought I'd go ahead and give what I thought would be necessary and helpful information. thanks for helping

 

Check in your Device Manager for the wireless device, and if it's there, try reinstalling or updating the driver.

 

If the wifi light isn't on, you need to check the device manager to see if the wifi card is listed and operating correctly. If it isn't listed, reboot and enter the BIOS and see if the wifi card is enabled. If it is enabled, and when you reboot the light still isn't on and the card is listed, then hit fn-f2 to turn the wireless on (Dell machines can enable/disable wifi by pressing fn-f2). If the card isn't listed, turn off the computer and verify the card is seated. If you still have problems, you should contact Dell.

 

It looks like your wireless card is missing from the system. It may have been dislodged (since you said that it happened before) or the card or even the slot it is in may be broken. Lots of HP notebooks have had WiFi cards suddenly die because the PCIe slot died. If your wireless light won't turn on then your card most likely isn't functioning.

-J.B.

 

ok, but how do i get to the device manager.
@Jstn7477: I cant remember dropping my pc during my stay at the hotel. And my pc is a dell not a HP. thanks for the help people. .

 

Right-click My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager