Problems sharing internet connection & files on small wire..

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windows.networking.wireless (More info?)

I was sold a Linksys Wireless G Access Point and Wireless G USB Network
Adaptor as a solution to network a PC running WinME which also runs a USB
Cable broadband modem to access the internet (with an available Ethernet
Port). I want to connect the laptop running XP via the Wireless Adapter and
share internet access with the PC and share files on both machines.

I attached the Access Point directly to the Ethernet port in the modem, and
ran the Linksys setup software, and installed the USB Adapter to the laptop,
both installed perfectly although I did notice that a Bridge was installed on
the laptop?

There appears to be a strong connection between the two machines but here's
the problem:

Whilst I can connect to the internet on the PC, I am unable to access the
net via the laptop. Also, when I look at the network places in both PC's, I
am unable to see the respective machines on the network and therefore cannot
share any files.

There are no firewalls installed on either machine, and I am sure that
during setup, I gave the same Network Place name on each machine.

Ok, so I'm a total newbie in this regard, could someone be kind enough to
provide me with some instructions or a checklist of things I need to enable
or look out for? Have I set the hardware correctly? Did I need the Broadband
Router instead? Oh and in case you are wondering, it was PC World.

Many thanks, this thing has driven me crazy for a few hours today!