Can't detect wireless connections when there are plenty around

[Lealynn]

I'm having problems with my wireless connection. My computer can't seem to detect any connections, saying only 'Not connected - no connections are available'. But that's impossible, as my flatmates' laptops could detect the wireless modem we have in our flat, not to mention all the other random connections floating around. Luckily, if I connect my laptop to the modem with a wire, I can get internet, but when I unplug it, same problem persists. Help!

 

[Saga Lout]

Hello and welcome to Tom's Hardware Forums.

Most probably cause is that the wireless chip is turned off. Check in Device Manager that the Power Management for it isn't set to turn it off and also find the switch - either a physical one or one of the Function keys to be used with the Fn key.

If none of the above works, check BIOS to ensure it's enabled and turned on in there and that you don't have one of those either/or ethernet/wireless configurations.