new U-verse cannot get laptop to connect to Internet

[TXLady]

I had U-Verse installed for wireless and provided that key number into my 2006 Inspiron 6400 laptop. The laptop has a wireless card inside and it shows the connection status as "Authenticating". I cannot get into the Internet with the laptop. I don't know much about computers so not sure what to do. I was told that the wireless would work all over the house, but I'm right by the modem and it's still now working to connect to the Internet. It says "No connection to the Internet is currently available." Yet here I am on the desktop linked to the Internet.

How can I fix this? Any help to a real greenhorn would be appreciate. Thanks!

[caperjack]

but I'm right by the modem ;;

try turning off the routers' security so you don't need to put in a key ,and see what happens

[TXLady]

I don't see any where to do that. The modem doesn't show anything.

[caperjack]

I don't see any where to do that. The modem doesn't show anything.

you need to know what your doing and go into its setting using it ip address or a cdrom disk that came with it usually ,who setup the encryption and grave you the key to put in