How to configure Pelican wireless adapter on Vista 32 bit laptop?

When I try to use the Installation package (downloaded from pdp.com;I do not own the installation cd) but the driver says that it is incompatible with my version of windows. When I try to do the setup app, the adapter is not found. I tried to do the manual setup for vista and xp that found on various websites through google but it says to disconnect your wireless and plug the adapter in through the LAN. I am currently using a laptop connected wirelessly to a router (that is pword protected). After changing settings in IPv4, I try to connect to the IP address (192.168.1.99) in my web browser but the connection always times out. How am I supposed to connect to this IP address if I am not connected to the internet? I have tried connecting ethernet cords directly from my laptop to the adapter, one from the router to my laptop and another to the adapter from the router but I keep getting the same results (connection timed out). I would greatly appreciate it if someone could tell me what I am doing wrong or give a step by step guide on how they accomplished this on their vista 32bit laptop. This is really frustrating so pleeeasee someone help me.