so from what I can gather here, with my unknowledgeable eyes, is that gOS IS recognizing my Wireless Card. I think. When my wireless card is not plugged in, there are no prompts for connecting or creating wireless networks, wireless config options, etc. but when I plug the card in, all of those options appear. both lights on my Wireless Card are on, when it is plugged in, while using gOS. my Networking is set to "Roaming Mode" (whatever that means).
incidentally, I am using UNetBootIn to do this, if it means anything.
so apparently, the OS knows that my wireless card is there. at least I think it does.
however, I cannot seem to search for and connect to any available wireless networks. maybe this is a case of me just not knowing what I am doing, or maybe it's a case of not having the right drivers, but then again, if i didn't have the drivers, wouldn't the OS just not recognize my card at all?