Strong signal but will not acquire network (No IP Address)

Hi all,

I'm a complete novice when it comes to computers. I don't understand any PC terminology so explaining things to me will be relatively difficult unless explained in lamens terms!

I'll explain my problem/s:

I bought a LAPTOP from Ebay (idiot, I know). I didn't read much about it because all that information doesn't mean anything to me anyway. Basically, I later realised it doesn't have a cd-rom. This doesn't bother me as that was not my intention of getting a laptop.

Originally, the wifi worked fine, now all of a sudden it doesn't. I've tried system restore to a date of when it was working and i've considered a reformat. A reformat would be like going to hell and back though due to not having a cd-rom!

It started when I was trying to sign-in to MSN messenger and it would automatically reject me signing in. I rebooted thinking that this is the solution to everything and there-on my connection would say Acquiring Network Connection or something along those lines, but never ACTUALLY connect.

I've also noticed I have no IP. I thought every comptuer has an IP when connecting to the internet!

Please help. I'm considering sticking chopsticks in my eyes and slapping myself with a tuna fish! Relieve me of this darn stress!

Regards,

Emily