Le sigh.
I've tried nearly everything. I can get the card to connect poorly, despite "full bars," for a short time, but it never stays connected. Thereafter, when attempting to connect, it says "Connection Timed Out." Or if I attempt to set up a new network it tells me my password is incorrect, which is most definitely not the case.
I've put a "Windsurfer" on my router. I rebuilt the Airport card altogether with more quality parts than the original card i put together. I even just purchased the antennae for the card that Alpha has linked in his system specs. Same results. The only thing I haven't tried is rebranding, mostly because it seems fairly complicated and I believe requires a Linux setup, which I don't have nor do I feel like setting up.
Ah well... As long as my girlfriend has her computer in the same room, I'll be okay sharing her connection via ethernet.
PS Yes, I know it's set to "Off."