Wireless Internet forum: ethernet cable screwed up wireless internet?

Hi all,

I am running an IBM T60P. with Windows 7. a Cisco Router "linksys E3000"
My wireless has been running fine for the last few years. (win xp and win 7)
Today I wanted to try something (I knew it wouldn't work but figured what the hell" I plugged in an ethernet cable and hooked it up to an old PC to show a friend that you could not just plug this cable in and access another computer. Well I proved I was right, but unfortunately I also screwed something up in my laptop (IBM)
now I can connect to my network, I "see" the network, I am connected to it, excellent range etc, but no internet connection.

now I know its not my router or nothing cuz my other laptops and pc's are all working fine,
its not the range since I have it now sitting literally next to my router)
I tried to recycle router and cable modem
I tried restarting
ugh... HELP!!!

I THINK somehow windows is still looking for this ethernet connection.
anyone have a clue of what the heck happened here???

thank you so much in advance