my wireless will only pull up a handful of websites but when i plug the internet in it works just fine. what do i need to do to make it work?Can you provide some more information?
Please check this POST for some help on what type of information we need.i have a HP pavilion dv5 laptop RUNNING windows vista with a AMD turion x2 processor and ATI radeon graphics card. not sure on memory gigs
wireless Description: Atheros AR5007 802.11b/g WiFi Adapter
Okay, that's your NIC(Network Interface Card). 
What kind of wireless router are you using?  Also what security SOFTWARE are you running?wireless modem: netgear cg814wg v2i currently do not have security software, i am looking at what security software to get right nowYou do not have an antivirus? Well, I like avast! anti-virus, and SUPER AntiSpyware, and MalwareBytes.

You should also update and PATCH your Windows installation.  Since you have been running unprotected you should run a full scan once the antivirus software is installed.Do you face the problem both on wired and wireless computer or on a specific computer?