Network Discovery issues?

Problem: I am able to connect to my home network but cannot see any other available networks or cannot set up a new network.."network discovery"?

Also, the following links dont work. They do not respond at all

"Connect to" on the start menu

In the "Network and sharing center"
Connect to a computer
Setup a connection or network
Customize


I am running Vista home premium with SP2 on a Gateway M150XL. AVG security 8.5, Ad-aware anniversary edition, Sharing CD and C drive with XP computer. Wireless wifi link = Intel 4965agn

Did the following:
Rolled back to earliest restore point
Booted up in safe mode with networking
Ran system file checker (sfc /scannow )from the command line
No virus's or spyware
Running "private" network
Made sure all services were either running or on automatic in "computer management".
Downloaded all available updates, drivers from Microsoft and Intel


Is anyone aware how to repair these dead links or:
Is there a stand alone wireless lan utility that will allow me to view any available networks and set up one

No one have any Ideas or experence with this issue??

I am having similar issues with network discovery. I have firewalls turned off. But when i go to turn on ssdp discovery i get this: "The SSDP Discovery service on the Local computer started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if they are not in use by other services or programs". any help?