pc & dsl connection problem / issues

I have one. I've tryed to get help before but to no avail, so I'll ask you. I have a linksys wireless router. I also have one of those linksys USB adapters. They call it the simplest way to make your PC or laptop wireless. I plug it in the USB port and the plug and play starts installing it. Nothing. I try running the CD. When I do that,the wireless icon appears on the bottom tray, but it's gray. I roll over it and it says disabled, but there's nothing to hit do enable it. I've tried both running the CD and using the plug and play. Still doesn't work. At first I thought it might be the router because I got it from ebay. But now, there are other people in this house that are usung it, so it's not that. The only thing I have not tried is running the CD for the router. I also have a wireless card that I've tried in the past but didn't work. Now, some information you might need. I have an IBM thinkpad A20m. It has a 12 GB hard drive. I'm running windows 2000 professional. And when I go onto Network connections, it only has"local area connection 3" and "make new connection."