Wireless Networking help

[emthompson 0]

OK here is my deal. I have a d-link wireless router that allows 4 computers to connect to my 1.5mb DSL connection. Right now I am using a d-link wireless usb device to connect my laptop wich resides about 50 feet (straight shot) from my router. The signal goes from up stairs to downstars passing through no more than 2 walls and the floor. My signal strength is anywhere from 30% to 44%. My problem is that the laptop internet connection is very slow. I would say that it is no faster than dial-up. Would this be due to my poop signal quality (evethough the dlink software says that 45% is good). also does anyone know anything that will help boost my signal strangth so I can get faster internet to my laptop? Another problem that I am having is that my XP pro seems to think that my wireless internet connection is not availible even though I am using it right now. (It says this through the icon that pops up in the task bar. Does anyone know why XP would think that it isnt available when it really is? I am using the latest D-link drivers for XP so I assueme that they should work right.