D link airplus G Wireless range extender

I purchased a D link wireles ranger extender model DWL 710 G but I cannot get it to work.
The unit powers up fine and I seem to be able to connect to it as a wireless network using a linksys card in my laptop BUT. It appears that it never connects or talk to my Linksys wireless router. I connected directly to it using an ethernet cable and have tried to ping the default I.P address but get no response. I have reset the unit using the reset button on the back several time but still get nothing. The unit does appear to be transmitting as it shows up as a wireless network. Also, I am in the country and have no security or anything turned on in my network. It is running wide open. As I read all the info I belive this unit should connect on its own and talk fine.
Any insight would be appreciated.
rlt.