making CISCO router WRT54GS work

I got this router some years back from US (maybe 2007) and brought it to China and I've been trying to make it work for a few days now. I may have learned enough to be able to follow your instructions LOL. A friend helped me to set it up at that time.
I now have VISTA Ultimate on my desk top (PC), Windows XP on one laptop and Windows 7 on the other that I would like to connect (wireless).
I have modom connection with my ISP and I've set up a Home Group connecting to Internet (without the router) and told it to automatically connect me.
Then I set up the router and have been able to direct connect using the router and it connects me automaticlly.
I can see the wireless on my lap tops but can't connect to it.
Then I loaded the EasyLink software on my PC, followed the instructions and gave it the user ID and password for my ISP to connect but it does not connect. I think because I'm already connected but I can't turn off the auto connection (don't know how). This may tell you how much I know LOL.
But I continued with the configuration of the router, created additional wireless connections for my XP and Window 7 lap tops on flash memory. Because I figured once I connect to my ISP using the router then I'm set to go.
I think with your help I should be able to make this work and don't need to go and buy another router and have them come to set me up.
I KNOW (have seen) you guys are good and can help and I can also complete my limited education on setting this up.
Thanks.