cannot connect to the same network with wired and wireless computers

I have a dell desktop running windows vista that connects to my wireless router with a cable.
I have an HP laptop that is running windows 7 that is wireless.
When I look at network computers on the dell I get an error message that says that the computer is not accessible. The same thing happens when I try to log onto the desktop from the laptop.
When I try to run the network wizard from the desktop, I see see connect to the internet, connect to a wireless router or access point, setup a dialup connection and connect to a workplace.
None of them make sense but I tried connect to a wireless router and got a message that said to set it up manually or set up a flash drive, neither of which makes sense. I tried set it up manually and all that happened is the router setup screen opened up.
I tried the same thing on the laptop and the setup the network wizard opened a screen that said choose a wireless router or access point to configure, but nothing ever showed up on that screen.
I hate to knock windows but this all seems unnecessairly complicated. It can't be that odd to have wired and wireless computers on the same network.