I have purchased an advent 7109,but i am having trouble with the wireless connection,ie switching on !?

when i prees the wireless on there is no light to say "active" so when try to log on to the internet i get a "unable to connect" message ? i just keep pressing the wireless on and eventually i get connected but any sugestions to stop this irritation would be appreciated ? also could i set my laptop to go wireless automatically each time i switch on ? instead of having to press the wireless on ? thanks!?