Mysterious Wireless Connection Problem

I've searched the threads and realize that this same question has been posted with different specifics but I can't seem to find an answer for my problem.

I bought a Trend wireless USB for my laptop so it could connect through my desktop and its Belkin router. By default it connected to another wireless network with a name I don't recognize (a neighbor?) I tried to configure it so it would only connect through my secure wireless connection and it worked for a day. Now it doesn't allow Firefox to display a web page at all but it is still connecting through the unknown network and allows AVG and Windows updates. I tried reconfigure it but fear I'm compounding the problem. Is there anyone who can help me?

 

You should check on available wireless connections.
start>control panel>network connections> double click on "Wireless Network Connection" and click on "View Wireless Connections".
You can disconnect/connect to any available connection there.

 

It shows that I have one available connection, the mysterious connection and it shows that I'm connected but my browser is not connecting.

 

I am assuming that the desktop is connected to a wireless Belkin router wirelessly, rather than hardwired to the router.
That is correct?

If so, the only thing that I can think of is that your USB antenna is on a different frequency than the router.
i.e.: 802.11 g receiver might not locate an 802.11 b router

 

If you are using this in an older building then there may be complications with certain materials in the walls blocking the radio waves required to make a connection with the router. I have this problem with my PC.
(old house with chicken wire in the walls, this can be tested with a portable radio)

 

Fixed it!

Turns out that my firewall was blocking my browser. Thanks anyway guys.