snafu solved..........the culprit was firmware......that's right, firmware......found that out as i was going through my setup procedure step by step w/tech support........i followed the intstructions to the t, and still didn't work......so long story short, she had me upgrade firmware(not even close to being in the setup procudure from box), upgrade this, uncheck that, hold down modem reset for at least 10 seconds, uplug it for 10 seconds, power off router for 10 seconds.....after all that and a few more i know i missed here, it finally connected....
regardless, thanks for all your replies and assistance in true comrodary(sp) spirit....

i'll let my neighbor know that their wireless system should be working a little bit "faster" now, actually he's cool......
lastly,,,,,,,anything can be insured.........at a price....