Err.... did you try to connect to it?
There is a small icon in the taskbar that shows towers like in a cell phone, if the laptop has a WiFi card in it and it is configured correctly with the correct drivers, you ought to see that icon there.
Just right click on the icon and it's give a few options, something like available wireless networks, scan for networks, or connect to wireless network.
If you see those you can either connect to your home network straight away using the name of the network present and the password key or number and then you ought to see the obtaining IP icon....
if all this happens then you ought to be able to connect to the network soon.