Does the internet connection work at all? You might need to install drivers for the network card on the laptop. Check the manufacturer and model (there should be a sticker under the laptop which has the model number, serial etc printed on it) and go to the manufacturers site and find the support section, you should be able to find drivers etc from there with the model/serial number from your laptop. Some laptops also have a slide switch to turn Wi-Fi on/off, check that it is on, or a keyboard button. Check the user manual.