Wireless Router Doesn't Work

It sounds like you currently have: wall -> cable model -> computer The normal way to do this with a router is: wall -> cable modem -> router -> computer The router goes between your computer and the internet, it doesn't hang off your computer unless you're doing something really strange like running a server or some other security-compromising thing.

You need to connect your cable modem to the wifi router with an Ethernet cable and then your desktop to the wifi router with another Ethernet cable. Your wife's portable will connect to the wifi router via wireless.

Further, the cable modem Ethernet cable will connect to the WAN port in the back of the router, the desktop will connect to one of the probably four LAN ports.

I looked at the spec sheet for your computer via the link provided, and as odd as it seems, I don't see anything to indicate your HP Pavilion has built in wifi. It's odd for a consumer oriented PC not to have wifi, but not unheard of -- many corporate PCs don't have built in wifi because they connect via the ethernet cables, just like your PC. I'm confused about this USB stick that you have... is it a wireless wifi USB stick? Couldn't you just put that in your wife's laptop and she would connect via the wireless router? Can you post a link to the specific USB stick to which you are referring?

I bought a USB stick that lets my desktop connect as the remote to the wi-fi router I'm also confused. What router did you buy? You do like jeffkramer described above, then you just plug your desktop into one of the router's wired ports using an ethernet cable. You don't need a USB stick at all - and your wife's laptop won't need one unless it's too old to have built-in wireless, which is unlikely.

To be quite honest, walking into a big-box retail establishment right now, you'd probably be hard-pressed to find a desktop unit that has wireless as part of the OEM experience. Laptops almost always have it; desktops almost always do not. And this is the problem, of course; without a wireless receiver in/connected to your desktop computer, you won't be able to connect to any wireless networks.

Plug the wireless router into your cable modem on the port labeled 'WAN' or 'Internet' using an ethernet cable. Then plug your desktop computer into one of the router LAN ports with another Ethernet cable. Then you don't need the USB stick at all, unless you want to connect the desktop to the router wirelessly.

Your ISP might have special settings like PPPoE username/password (AT&T does this) or you may need to get the mac address on your router approved by your ISP. Regardless, you need to get into your router's admin interface (typically 192.168.1.1 or similar) to see the errors. They all have web interfaces. Thats step 1.

Also, considering what youve told us, your tech level is pretty low. I would consider calling your ISP and seeing if they'll sell you a preconfigured router that they will setup and support. If so, return the one you bought.