Wireless network/Router question

[gatoconbotas]

So, my family has had this very convienient, nice wireless network set up for roughly 3 almost 4 years now, and I've never had a problem with it.
My laptop is only about two years old, so it shouldn't be that.

Here's the issue: All of the sudden, I get NO wireless service, at all in my house.
Everything is connected all fine and dandy. All of the cords are completely in, everything is tight and happy.

I have NO wireless service at all. I'm sitting right next to my wireless router, and have no signal.

My question is:: How often do you need to replace the wireless router? How long does it take for them to like...quit?

I'm 99.99% sure that it's not my laptop, because
a)my Xbox360 can't connect to Xbox Live either...and it's wireless and I haven't had a problem before. and
b)I tried using a USB wireless adaptor that came with the router and it won't work either.
So, considering my xbox360, my laptop, and the usb adaptor all don't work...that narrows it down to the router.

So..again. How often does a router need to be replaced?

Any help would be mucho apreciado.
Thanks

[Xero]

First of all, what make/model is it? And is it hard wired to anything/does it have non-wireless capabilities?

Have you tried looking in the settings? It can usually be found around http://192.168.1.1/ ....

It may have died, but I sort of doubt it did.

[G]

Try resetting the router by unplugging it for 10 minutes or so.

[gatoconbotas]

It's a Microsoft (my dad bought it) somethingorother.
product number: 68693-168-0269722-00240

It's hard wired to our high-speed modem, and it's does have non-wireless capabilities. You can hook up to 4 computers hard-wired to it.

The settings and all that fun stuff are normal, I've been through them like 18230812y3u1i times.

I've unplugged it and let it sit for a while before, but I'll have another go at that.

[gatoconbotas]

The unplugging to reset it...didn't work.
Hard wired, the thing works perfectly. I'm using both of our computers hard-wired to it now.

I just need my wireless so I don't have to sit at the computer desk, ya know?

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Have you tried turning the wirless off in the settings and then back on again? If not that try changing the channel number. 1 is usually the best because it has less interference with other devices.

If your firmware is upgradable try updating it, if an updates not available try reinstalling the latest version.

If not any of that, yeah, the wireless is probably dead.

[gatoconbotas]

So....what's a good wireless router to buy? Haven't had to shop for one in a while lol.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I've had 2 of these and love them

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/GWirelessRouters/WGR614.aspx

If you're wondering why 2, one was destroyed by a power surge during a storm.

[DS]

Linksys WRT54GL with DD-WRT firmware. Best option out there, unless you are set on going N.

[Y2Ant]

I've had 2 of these and love them

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/GWirelessRouters/WGR614.aspx

If you're wondering why 2, one was destroyed by a power surge during a storm.
I hate that router, gay ass shitty bugged sky broadband piece of garbage.

[Just John]

Linksys WRT54GL with DD-WRT firmware. Best option out there, unless you are set on going N.

^ That