You can also try using a regular CAT 5 cable - plug one end to your laptop and the other end directly into your service provider's modem (this will by-pass any router you may be using and help identify if the router is your problem).
Windows 'should' automatically find and configure this 'LAN' connection and set it up for you...(reboot a couple times, sometimes Windows is stubborn or it gets stuck in a false loop...)
If you still don't get a connection to the internet, the problem probably lies within the laptop, either a bad NIC card or the drivers are bad or are missing.
Also, if you are using Windows Homegroup, it can cause problems too. Try "leaving the homegroup" on Control Panel's Network and Internet page.
A last thing to try is to bring your laptop to a friend's house (or somewhere you know has a working Wi-Fi signal) and try connecting there...if that works, the problem lies with the cable company's equipment or cabling at your house (If you have DSL, the same thing would apply to the installation at your house)