Can view and connect to wireless but unable to get "online"

First off, I am far from a computer person...but i have used these forums quite frequently and have found them to be useful for FAQs and walktthroughs to fix problems. Here's what I am encountering:

I have a router and wireless home network. In the past, I have always been able to access the internet via the wireless from either my laptop (internal wireless card) and desktop (USB connected wireless adapter).

Recently, however, while I am able to view and connect to the wireless signal (wireless connectivity icon says "good/excellent" connection to the network), when I attempt to get online through IE it says I have no connection. I then try the "repair" button, which disables the wireless, repairs it and recconects...still no access (even though everything looks fine). Same problem on both the laptop and desktop.

Any suggestions or ideas why this may be happening?

 

The first thing you should do is determine if the router is connecting to the internet.
If you have one, run an RJ45 cable (Also known as a CAT3) from the router to one of your computers and try the internet using that connection.
Let us know if you do and we'll offer the next step.

 

Not certain it makes any difference but I also have a vonage phone device attached to the wireless router, and that is working fine.

 

I confirmed the router is connecting to the internet.

 

How do you know this?

How long has your internet been unavailable for?

Many ISPs are now having gaps in service for up to a few days. Who is yours?

What is your router?

Can you connect to it's homepage/ control page from either pc? - You do not need the internet for this.