I don't want airport! I want to use the usb card I own!

Question

I have read all applicable posts on the subject. It hasn't really helped.
Here's my situation: I moved back into my parents' house temporarily for two months while I pick up some summer classes I couldn't otherwise take, and I have set up a wireless network so their settings can remain the same (and they'll keep all the equipment in their room, as they demand).
I have a mac mini, never dreamed there would be an issue using wireless usb network cards, suddenly there is, no one will help. Linksys says the cards (wusb11 and wusb54g) don't have mac drivers, and that's all they'll say. Apple won't even help me find third party but demanded I buy an airport card. This did not endear me to purchasing another product from apple.
Well, I gotta be honest here, I DON'T WANT to spend $79-99 on an airport card. First off, I really can't afford to, and second it's the principle of the thing. I shouldn't have to. It's a USB device, mac has usb ports, there should be no issue. Now, the wusb54g is still in the packaging and can be taken back, but it was only $40-something, so that's my price range.
Essentially I have three questions:
1) Can I get my linksys cards working?
2) If not, what card within my price range DOES work?
3) If I cannot get my mac mini online, is there a way to wire it to another computer independent of any other network (perhaps via another router?) At least then my windows box could be online and I could still transfer files back and forth between it and the mac mini.
Thanks for listening. I am beyond frustrated.

Answer 1

Well, I am very satisfied with my linksys usb adaptors on my PC, and all other PCs I have tried them on. Besides, I'm not asking if they work well or not, I'm merely asking do they work at all. Your idea of well and mine may be different. I'm just interested in the facts.
Once again, even if I understand what you meant by a "standard" airport card (you mean there's more than one?), I think I was pretty adament that I did not want an airport card. I just don't. The price coupled with Apple's strong sell made that one product I'll only buy if I absolutely have to, and I'll explore every other option first. Furthermore, I asked about third party adaptors.
I have a crossover cable, so that'll probably do it. I wasn't sure if the mac would be able to work the same way. Is it just as easy to set up? Am I better off connect them to another router?
Anyhow, I do appreciate the response, so thanks.