Hi not sure if I am in the right place, I am trying to make my laptop hook up to my desktop cable modem, not getting a security box when I click on my wireless modem OPTIONS on my laptop. I have a Motorola surfboard modem. my desktop specs are listed under specs.....both computers are running windows 7, thanks. Which Surfboard Motorola are you using for model #? Also are you running without a router which normally offers up the wifi? Most setups ate a Modem  which has a router connected to it and then all computers connected to the router, however if its just 1 computer you could run without a router directly to the modem, although I do not advise this type of connection due to security risks of not running a router. Routers are CHEAP if you dont have one and need one. You can buy a wifi router for as LOW as $15 online or as expensive as hundreds of DOLLARS for a home rated router. I have a $15 router that I flashed with DD-WRT and unlocked its potential to have way more features that a $100 router would have for free.

If you just have a Surfboard Motorola Modem connected directly to Desktop, then you might not have wifi at all to CONNECT to!