Unable to connect to internet via Linksys WRT54G

I had no problem until a few days ago. I have my Linksys WRT54G router under a secured mode and wanted to unsecure it temporarily. I got into the 192.168.2.1 and clicked the security tab and got a clock that never seemed to come back to i closed the window. I went back into internet explorer and could not get into the internet. I get a popup in lower right saying Local Area connection. This connection has limited or no connectivity. You might not be able to access the internet or some resources. For more information click this message.
Then I get
Windows could not finish repair the problem because the following action can not be completed. Renewing your IP address.
I do a setup and get a message
Unable to connect to the router
I try pinging the 192.168.1.1 and it times out.
I do a diagnostic and
HTTP Error 12007 connecting to www.microsoft.,com shows up many times.
I have an Actiontec 701 DSL modem. I can get into the internet using that only.
I've tried resetting the router, I've done what appears to be a firmware upgrade (lights blink etc), I've tried different power up sequences, I've tried re-booting.

What more can I try?