Aiming to upgrade from dial-up, I bought and installed a USB Wi-Fi dongle on my desktop PC.

I had been led to believe that it was just a case of installing the software, plugging-in the dongle, and typing the password. No it isn't! :(

The only data I have are the router type (Netgear WGR 614), Network Name (i.e. the SSID), Encryption Type (WPA-PSK), Wireless Security (ON), and the Wireless Manager Password.

Because the dongle doesn't automatically connect to the router signal, the software dialog boxes ask for other data which I can't type in because I don't know what they are or where to find them.

By trying at random to find which settings will work, I managed to get the software to think that it's connected to the router, and it shows readings on the Signal Strength and Link Quality meters, but my browser and e-mail client say that I'm not online. :(

Does the PC need configuring for a WLAN connection elsewhere in 'Windows'?

To me, it seems that the hardware is working, but that the problem is one of configuration or software.

Has anyone any idea what's wrong or what I can do next to get connected?

Thanks in advance.

it sounds like your p.c is not picking up an i.p address. you either need to make sure that your router is enabled for DHCP and then setting your WLAN connection to automatic I.P or set the WLAN to manual I.P and enter the i.p settings.
if you need specifics let me know

Dongles are a nightmare, I know a lot of people will think I'm wrong on this but I see them as a temporary wireless solution. I wouldn't use one all the time - I just don't trust them. If I was you I'd get a refund and by a wireless adapter.
Agree with sizrivers advice on the issue at hand though.