Windows XP cannot see Airport Extreme SSID

I just bought a new Airport Extreme Base Station and connected it to my home router. My iMc was connected in minutes. But I am having a lot of trouble connecting my wife's Dell PC (XP SP2) using a Dell 1450 Wireless USB adapter (a/b/g). I have tried no encryption, WEP, and WPA, but in all cases I cannot even see the broadcasted SSID from the base station. I have also tried a number of different channels 1,6,8,11, but in all cases I never see the station in the list of available wireless networks.
To see if this was a windows issue, I brought home my work laptop (also XP SP2), and it had no problem seeing the SSID, and also connecting in all the above cases. Whats even more perplexing is that all the computers are right next to each other, and my wife's computer can see about 10 of meighbor's access points, but not the new base station!
Needless to say, it has been very frustrating, and I am considering returning the airport if I can't get the wife's XP connected.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Mark
Message was edited by: mark-o

I can see a couple of possibilities.
* It is possible to set up AirPort (or any wireless network) so that the SSID doesn't show up - ever. In such cases, it's necessary to manually type in the SSID to connect. (Usually, it's only the first time - most devices can remember the SSID name, and it's not a problem). Unfortunately for you, I don't use Wintendo that much, and don't have the steps needed to connect to a hidden network memorized - I'm actually more familiar with the process to do it with an Xbox than I am with a Windows PC.
* To see if this is the case, use the AirPort utility, manual config. Find the "Wireless" tab, and then choose "wireless options" There should be a checkbox named "create a closed network" If it is checked, then the SSID is in fact hidden, and that's why you aren't finding the SSID.
I realize that you were able to see the SSID from another machine, and that is puzzling that your wife's PC can't see it.
You've already eliminated the possibility that the radio is simply turned off on your wife's PC, as you can see your neighbor's wireless SSID(s).
I'd suggest trying a different encryption, as some older devices can't use the newer methods - but you've covered that base too.
To be honest, I've got a couple of issues of my own with the 802.11n base station... the latest firmware 'update' seems to have been a step backwards...
Message was edited by: pariah0

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