Thanks for the replies
Sure enough, it started working again -FINALLY- after not connecting for most of the day.
I was so frustrated, that I was able to run a long cat6 cable from the router to the desktop as an 'emergency band aid fix' when it decides to be a fucking whore like this. The Mrs is not happy with this solution, so I definately need to find a more permanent solution.
Is there anything I can do about the shitty drivers? A friend also suggested this might be the issue, but couldn't give any more advice, other than "Quit using such a homo operating system". lol