This was with XP but may be related
My sons laptop, with a Belkin PICMA card, recently stopped talking to the wireless router. Investigation showed that both XP and the Belkin utility were trying to access the wirelass network at the same time - neither of them successfully. I guess it was a bit like two people trying to get through a door together and getting stuck!!
As it was an oldish card I replaced it with a USB receiver, as part of the set-up process the option to allow the Belkin utility to take over the wireless capability was available.
Can't help but wonder if you have the same issue.