Router Woes -changed linksys models-no luck!

:cryI was unforunate enough to buy a linksys wrt54g2 and a rangeplus usb adapter wusb 100 which was being unloaded by Radio Shack. :confused It was nothing but trouble. Constantly resetting the ip address etc. At first it connected to the internet quickly but as time passed it got slower and slower. To check if I was losing my mind I purchased a linksys N ultra rangeplus wrt160N. I installed and found that there was no difference. I even installed the 160N with a refurbished wusb600n. According to customer service at Cisco the 54g2 was an older model and that the N model was better. My usb adapter is about 5 feet from the router! I am working with a pc with xp home.
:confused I am not a router technician but I cannot figure out why I cannot get a clear, fast connection at 5 feet with any router. It is not like I am working with my pc 7 stories above the router! I must be missing something or are Cisco routers "dogs". Consumer reports recommends netgear 834b,linksys 300n and d-link dir655. These are double the price of the 54g2!:cry
Does the higher price mean that they operate over greater distances? Or do they give a faster connection?

Thanks for anyone who can help a confused beginner/tyro:confused

 

are you using the linksys connection software or xp's wireless connection software?

 

I am using the software from the linksys cd. I didn't know there was an option.

 

So I read your thread and I thought I wrote it being so close to my woe's. Linksys "live chat" is of no help but you can always 'talk to our 800 service' for a FEE! No thanks...... So what did you replace your Link-junk with and does it work Im ready to trade in.