Menu Option to Connect to a Network does not open

I have an Inspiron 1501 Dell laptop with Vista operating system and DELL Wireless 1390 WLAN mini card Rev. 4.4

I have always been able to connect to an available wireless network by right clicking on the icon at the bottom right corner, a menu comes up and I select connect to network and a window then comes up showing the available networks.  I travel a lot an have not had any trouble connecting to air port and hotel networks until last weekend when I went on a trip. 

Now when I right click on the icon, the menu comes, I click on "connect to a network" and nothing happens, even though there are wireless networks available were I am and other people with laptops are connecting just fine.  When I go into the control panel and click wireless configuration and on the site monitor tab it showed the available networks from the hotel where I was as well as my home one, but I could on get connected.

Can someone tell me what the problem is and how to fix it.  I need detailed instructions.  Thank you.

Melody