Medion mimm2220 wont see wireless networks?

It says there are no networks available. It knows my network settings and should and used to log on automatically. The network is available as im posting this question using it. The laptop in question is sat next to mine and no networks detected. Have checked all settings and they are same as mine. b/g etc . wifi is switched on. Have tried uninstall and reboot and let windows reinstall. Runs windows xp.. im at a loss.