No luck at networking; can't see other computer on network

I'm trying to network my desktop and laptop as well as
access to the internet. Both system use window-98SE (up to
date with patches). The router is a wireless Netgear
802.11b with cat 5 wire from the DSL modem and desktop.

The desktop browser is set to enabled and the laptop is
set to automatic. I start the desktop first and allow a
fair amount of time before I boot my laptop.

On the network neigherhood sometimes...
- The laptop sees nothing, not even the Entire Network
icon
- The laptop has the Network icon; but not the laptop or
desktop icon. (If the Entire Network icon is launched, the
system take a long time but comes back with nothing)
- The laptop sees itself and the shared
directories/printers
- The desktop sees nothing
- The desktop sees itself and the shared
directories/printers
- The desktop sees both systems; but, displays the
following error if the laptop icon is double clicked:
"The computer or sharename could not be found. Make sure
you have typed it correctly and try again".
"\\mylaptop is not accessable".

I've tried about every parameter combination and settings
possible over the last month with no success; not even
consistant results.

I've been at PC's since the original IBM single 5 1/4
floppy but no direct experience with networking. I'm not
about to call it quits on this problem; but, SURE COULD
USE ANY SUGGESTIONS/HELP.

Thanks
Jim Tinder