I have a new dell desktop w/windows 7 and have this wireless adapter i have tried the driver downloads from belkin but it still will not work

Try this one:

1. right click on the driver installer (.exe file) then choose properties.
2. click on compatibility tab.
3. on compatibility mode, check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
4. choose between windows xp sp2 or 3 (sp3 usually works fine.), or windows vista sp1 or 2 then click apply.
5. run the driver installer, and see if it solves the problem.

let me know if it helps. thanks!

It may or may not work, but try installing as Administrator and setting the program's EXE into "Compatability Mode for XP SP2",and also, running as Administrator.
Windows 7 just doesn't want to support any hardware over like a year old... Drivers are a HUGE issue. Especially for older stuff. Compatability Mode is one way round it but not always.
It may or may not work, but try installing as Administrator and setting the program's EXE into "Compatability Mode for XP SP2",and also, running as Administrator. Windows 7 just doesn't want to support any hardware over like a year old... Drivers are a HUGE issue. Especially for older stuff. Compatability Mode is one way round it but not always. Also you will have to set to OFF digital Driver signing at bootup press F8, and at the bottom you will see driver signing.... EVERY TIME you boot you MUST set this OFF, or it will simply not work, thats if it does install anyway. You MUST have it OFF to install as well.