Cannot renew your IP address

[Tefler]

I've just reconfigured my Linksys WAG54Gs Wireless Gateway router, after having connectivity problems. The router's wired to my PC wich seems to be working fine. I'm trying to set up a wireless connection with my laptop, but am getting 'limited or no connectivity' because Windows cannot renew my IP address.
I've looked at various answers to similar questions on this site, but I'm afraid I don't understand them! If any kind soul can help (step-by-simple step and in words of one syllable ) I'd be grateful.

[Tefler]

Nope - it would have been just as impenetrable had it been written in Serbo-Croat! I think I'd better try another, updated, question in case any of the other technical wizards are around tomorrow - this one's already in danger of getting lost in the ethernet cable (you see, I have picked up some of the jargon!)

[Ethel]

I wish you all the best!

[Tefler]

Don't know if this message has gone too far for you to read it or not, Ethel, but I've been in touch with Linksys and, after trying various remedies, they have decided that there's a fault with the gateway router and it needs mending with a new one! I'm relieved that this is the case, because I really couldn't believe it could be that difficult to set up a wireless network!
Still, I've learnt about pinging and how to set up a static IP adress as well as assigning DNS servers and subnet masks... it hasn't, therefore, been time wasted!