Windows Vista: still can't access printer on home network with Vista/XP

still can't access printer on home network with Vista/XP

Hi; i've searched the threads; used Vista help for hours; maybe i'm dull but still no luck. Rather than toss vista laptop out the window, thought i'd try cnet forums; here goes...(bear in mind, i could be wrong with this description as i'm only self-taught...)
My home network was set up by Gateway home desktop XP with HP photsmart c5280 printer, with Netgear WRN3500 router. several desktops/laptop with XP can print off of it. the home desktop has Norton symantec for firewall; all others McAfee. Set as a trusted network with file sharing. All seems well, then Vista laptop HP added to the network; had to adjust to WPA tsk security for compatibility.
Problem is Vista laptop cannot recognize the printer. It shows the network as Vista Laptop to router to internet, only. the home desktop gateway is recognized, but not on the same network; and i can't combine them. even though they are networked via the router. Tried to enter the computername and printer name but not sure they're accurate. The home desktop gateway is hardwired to router, and router was set up with the same desktop.
Now i see i have to download drivers (i guess from HP) to the vista latpop. But what else?
i have opened the ports as directed, on the vista. Windows firewall is disabled on all devices; i'm using the mcafee and norton for firewalls; probably the router too.
Do i need to open ports on the router? or the home desktop? which has norton, and i can't figure how to open norton ports.
Am i better off abandoning the Norton and using mcAfee for all the devices, re. compatibility? NOrton is incomprehensible to me. trust me, i have reviewed the threads and help function, so i'm not looking to be spoon fed.
Thanks for any sugeestions
pdoyle