Chevy454,
Did you use the XP computer(Laptop) to establish your network connection? (i.e. control panel/Network and Internet Connections/Set up or change your home or small office network)
When networking XP to any other windows iteration, it's preferable to use XP's networking wizard which can be found by going to the above location. Just follow the prompts and it'll create a floppy disk that you'll have to load into your 98SE computer.
If you've already done what's listed above, there is a GREAT forum here:
Dell wireless support community page
Just post your detailed question there (what you've already tried)and you'll get a response right away.
Hope this helps!