AirPort really does not like 2wire...please help!

Question

Hi,
I have an iBook G4 running OS 10.4.6 and I can't connect to the internet! When I first got my iBook (about 3 weeks ago), I could connect to the internet wirelessly no problem (well, only if it either had no WEP key, or had to put a $ infront of the WEP key), but now it doesn't work either way!
EDIT (More info): My AirPort does detect the network, and it says it's connected when I try to connect it, yet when using Safari gives me the "not connected" message. When I use the network diagnostics and go through the steps, and restart the router like it says, that doesn't work anymore. (It used to work, along with the things mentioned in the first paragraph.)
Right now I'm using the family PC (gah) and I set the 2wire router to not have a WEP key. I even downloaded and transferred the driver to connect using the ethernet cable. Nope, not working.
I know there are other threads regarding AirPort/2wire issues, but none of them help (not until now). So could someone please PLEASE help me with this? I would consider you a saviour and send you chocolates. :3
Thank you (and sorry about the last bit),
Andrew
iBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

Answer 1

Orzei, I checked the 2wire site and, boy I have to tell you!, you have an old router from 2wire, they don't even sell it anymore (check here for the current models). It is 802.11b, which was the standard like 5 years ago, before the 802.11g replaced it (and it may be in the near future threathened by the 802.11n, but that's not for sure).
Anyhow, I found it on eBay and in some other sites and I'm not surprised it does not support WPA, it doesn't even support the "strongest" (use this word carefully) of WEP, but only mild immitations of wireless security.
You should definitely change it, and the easiest way would be trying to talk to your ISP, they may change (read "Update to a new one") your router for a fee. Or, if this is not possible you may want to sell it. If you ever want to sell it, you may get about 30 USD, e.g.. That plus another 20 should get you another router.
As you already know, not all routers double as an ADSL modem and wireless routers, so this should be a factor when getting one (almost all of the current 2wire routers are 802.11g and WPA capable).
Good luck on changing your router.