stuck on "acquiring network address", "renewing ip address"

I'm not sure if this is a computer problem, an isp problem, or something else, but I need all the help I can get!  I've had Verizon DSL for a few months with no problems until yesterday.  I'm using the Westell Versalink 327W router.  I have 2 Dell Inspiron 1000 laptops (running XP sp2) that are connected wirelessly and have had no problems with either until yesterday.  I booted up as usual but couldn't connect.  I noticed that the wireless icon was stuck on "acquiring network address" with the little ball moving back and forth.  I tried to repair, but it gets stuck on "renewing your ip address".  I've tried all the usual fixes: ipconfig/release and/renew, the utility winsockxpfix, uninstalling tcp/ip et all and reinstalling.  I tried reinstalling the verizon software and i can get a connection if i do this, but it's a PPPOE direct connection with verizon.  I called Verizon tech support and after going through all the motions of all the stuff I'd already done on my own, as well as testing my line (all tests were ok), the support person actually had the gall to suggest that i contact my computer manufacturer as there may be some problem with my motherboard!  When I politely told her that it would be amazing that 2 laptops simultaneoulsy were affected with the same problem, she had to agree, but could offer no further help, and couldn't even do a "trouble ticket" because the error message i was getting wasn't listed in their database! (The message is when i do the ip /renew in a command window it says "rcp server not available".  Obviously, I'm at a loss.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.