G4 (MDD) with AirPort Can't See/Won't Connect to Wireless Networks

Hi all. I've seen topics/threads that get close to my question/problem, but not quite.
I inherited a PowerMac G4 (MDD)/Dual 1 GHz/1.5 GB DDR SDRAM/running 10.3.9.
I purchased a used original AirPort card from eBay, opened up the machine, and plugged it in. When I went to update the software (from a CD), my machine told me that it was up to date (though one HD is running OS9 and one running OSX -- so the software wouldn't install because the HD running OSX said it was up-to-date and the HD running 9 said it was impossible). The machine recognizes the card/shows it gray in the toolbar/says it has Firmware Version 8.70 in the System Profile.
My problem is that the AirPort can't see any wireless networks 99% of the time, even though 3 (including mine) are in range all the time. I've seen my network only flicker into possibility a few times, and even though I've disabled all security measures on the wireless router (Linksys Wireless-G, Model WRT54G), it simply won't connect. One time in 3 hours it momentarily looked like it was going to connect, then said "out of range," then disappeared completely. It has seen 0 wireless networks for the past hour.
I've read everything far and wide trying to solve this issue and am totally stuck. At first I thought I needed an antenna for the AirPort, but this is an internal card, so that doesn't seem right. I know the AirPort card (and not Extreme) is right because a) I don't have a FW800 port and b) the machine recognizes this card. Finally, I thought it may have had to do with the WPA security on the Linksys, but even with security disabled...nothing.
I'm feeling very frustrated. Any advice?
Thank you very much.

Thanks, Tom. I did as you suggested, and the Max Signal under the Log is showing a red 12, which is terrible, yes? What, exactly, does this tell me? That this is simply a case of old technology (AirPort b) struggling to communicate with new technology (Linksys g) over a medium distance (Linksys is in next room, through wall)? If plugging straight into the ethernet were an option, I'd just do it. But I can't get my G4 onto the Internet without running cords down the hallway and through my TV room, which is an obvious eyesore.
Is there a chance this AirPort card is only partly functional and I should return it? Or do I need to accept the fact that this G4 needs to either be moved closer to the Linksys router or be plugged in directly?
Thank you.

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