When I travel to an unknown network, my pc cannot locate another wifi system in the area, yet I'm in a wifi area?
You're off topic for this forum, which is dedicated to Windows Live OneCare. You may want to try the Microsoft Public newsgroups here: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx
I trust that you mean that you are trying to access a known open wireless access point. Wireless access via WiFi, or 802.11b/g is often secure, meaning you need to have a key to access that connection or you need to pay for access.
-steve