Wireless Ethernet PC Card Problem

[rab]

I use a D-Link Air 802.11b Wireless LAN Adapter (DWL-650) card in my 
Toshiba laptop. I have no problem connecting to my home wireless 
network. It's all automatic. But when traveling, or at school, I have 
yet to be able to connect to other wireless networks. At a hotel the 
other day, I had to use the hotel's wireless bridge (connected to the 
hardwired ethernet port). The wireless directions mentioned using 
"LODGE" as the SSID. But nothing worked. At a different hotel, I was 
told it should automatically connect. Same a school, even using the 
specific directions about SSID, etc. If someone could help explain what 
I need to do, I would greatly appreciate it. I've tried using the card 
with WinXP (the laptop dual boots) but even with the latest drivers, XP 
crashes almost immediately with the card plugged in (everytime).

Rick B.