On my laptop I have dual boot system: windows XP and Mandrake. I have plugged in pcmcia wireless card. XP have recognized it easily, but mandrake didnt. I know that linux usually does not have problem with recognizing network cards. I do not know what to do now, because I have never had problem like this.
I know that linux usually recognize network cards. But I havent used it on a laptop ever. I assume that your network card is newer then your Mandrake linux distribution is. I suggest you to go to the internet and find there drivers for your wireless network card. Download and install it and you wont have problem anymore.