Laptop wireless - no connection

In short I now have a new wireless router that appears to work fine. My laptop is able to connect via a wire to it but when I try to connect to it wirelessly it says no signal in the area - make sure your wireless is enabled. Am I missing something on the laptop (it appears all is working correctly?) but no signal found. Do I need to change a setting on the computer to enable wireless (software for the router has been installed and Yes it does have a wireless card but I don't know if I need to turn it on so to speak or it it just isn't working right) It's an Advent 7012 and a Netgear router - The router appears fine as in the correct lights are on (wireless light etc)