Device Manager: Unknown... hardware

[Fuelm@n]

This if first a hardware issue than a wireless networking one or maybe they're both.

I have 2 computers networked, was using an ethernet cable but finally decided to go wireless (got tired of tripping over the cable ).

Couple days ago I installed a Lnksys USB Wireless Adapter, all went well, got it configured and everything worked as should. The next day when I start the PC the Wireless Adapter wouldn't pick up the router unless I first disconnect the USB cable from the Adapter and plugged it back in, then it worked again.

I tried to correct this from it happening again, but couldn't and now I'm at the place where I can't even go back to using the ethernet cable 'cause Device Manager doesn't recognize the hardware. It lists the Ethernet adapter as Unknown in Device Manager, it was also listing the Lnksys USB Wireless Adapter as unknown even though I had the correct drivers installed. It didn't help un-installing and reinstalling the drivers or installing the latest drivers that I downloaded. I ended up returning the Lnksys USB Adapter and bought a Wireless PCI Adapter card, but Device Manager lists it as Unknown also even though it gives the correct name of the card I'm using...

Since the computer is not recognizing the hardware, Windows Wireless LAN Utility won't come up to configure the connection. How can I get the hardware to be recognized under Device Manager as it should be? How do I correct this hardware issue under Windows XP Pro SP2?

I thank you for any help or suggestions given.