NEED HELP!!! Inspiron 8600 Wireless Connection

I have just recently got Verizon DSL put in my laptop along with all their special features and I'm having problems with connecting to the internet wireless without the Ethernet cord. I do have a wireless modem and I did set up the modem with the software that was sent to me but they are asking to look at my laptop manual to type in the "WEP" number and some other number so the computer can recognize the wireless modem.  I can connect to the internet with the Ethernet cord, but once I take it off to go wireless it says "Local Connection not Avaliable". Also when I use my computer, it freezes up after 5 or ten minutes using it. I'm still able to move the mouse but nothing happens. What is going on with my computer? Is it the Verizon new software that is doing this? Would I have to uninstall the software and install it over again?