Suddenly unable to connect - WRT54G

Question

I have a Linksys WRT54G router connected to a PC.  2nd PC connects fine via wireless adapter.  1 laptop connects fine.  Newest laptop connected fine until 4 days ago.  Now it shows the wireless network with full signal, but is unable to connect for more than 30 seconds to 3 minutes at a time with long gaps of no connectivity between. I am able to connect to other wireless networks with no lag or drop, outside my home.
I have: reset router, powered down and powered up modem & router, changed SSID from default name, turned off firewalls and antivirus (back on since nothing changed), disabled MAC and Security Mode on router, updated drivers, restored the laptop to a date before the problem occured.  
Out of ideas and very hopeful that there is a fix.  Any help is greatly appreciated!
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Answer 1

First of all, set "SSID Broadcast" to "enabled". This will help your computer find and lock on to your router's signal.
Poor wireless connections are often caused by radio interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. This includes wireless phones, wireless baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless speakers, and your neighbor's wireless network. In rare cases, Bluetooth devices can interfere. Even some 5+ GHz phones also use the 2.4 Ghz band. Unplug these devices, and see if that corrects your problem.
In your router, try a different channel. There are 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band. Usually channel 1, 6, or 11 works best. Check out your neighbors, and see what channel they are using. Because the channels overlap one another, try to stay at least +5 or -5 channels from your strongest neighbors. For example, if you have a strong neighbor on channel 9, try any channel 1 through 4.
Also, try to locate the router about 4 to 6 feet above the floor, in an open area. Do not locate it behind your monitor or near other computer equipment or speakers. The antenna should be vertical.
Also, in the computer, go to your wireless software, and go to "Preferred Networks" (sometimes called "Profiles" ). There are probably a few networks listed.  (If you have a long list, this might be the sole cause for your problem.)  Delete any network named "linksys". Also delete any network that you do not recognize, or that you no longer use. If your current network is not listed, enter its info (SSID, encryption (if any), and key (if any) ). Then select your current network and make it your default network, and set it to automatic login. You may need to go to "settings" to do this, or you may need to right click on your network and select "Properties" or "settings".
Some users have reported improved wireless performance by switching from to WPA encryption.
If you continue to have problems, try the following:
For wireless g routers, try setting the "Transmission Rate" to 54 Mbps.
If you still have trouble, download and install the latest firmware for your router. After a firmware upgrade, you must reset the router to factory defaults, then setup the router again from scratch. If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
Hope this helps.