Wireless connection

Hello,
i have att 2wire modem , i am trying to get to the internet using my laptop , it shows that there is strong signal , and a message that say "waiting for user to connect " when i click connect , it gives a message you already connected , i go to internet explorer it say web page not found , not connected . i tried several settings no luck . even if i am at front of the host desk top . no luck
i am using windows vista.
thank you
mike