There are two sorts of wireless dongles out there - the ones that use the standard Microsoft wireless software, and the ones that don't (they usually require you to install their software before you show the dongle to the PC). By and large, the ones that just "plug and play" with MS are a lot less bovver.
Separately, I've had more problems with Belkin internet kit than with all the other brands put together, and don't touch it any more. Experts assure me I'm just unlucky.
I had a cheapo USB dongle for my old laptop - made by BlueNext. It came with no drivers, and "just worked". When the WiFi built into my friend Hans's Vista HP 6000 died, we plugged in the BlueNext dongle, and he was connected to his wireless network immediately. No drivers, no messing.
I just looked on Ebay - they are still on sale.
See here for example I have no interest in the company, but it's a nifty dongle. It won't work with Linux (no drivers!)