iPAQ 4500 no longer recognizes WiFi wireless access point

We have an iPAQ 4500 that worked perfectly until about three weeks ago.
Now it no longer recognizes our wireless access point. If I try going
to connectivity>settings>connections>advanced>network card no networks
are recognized.

I downloaded the most recent system ROM and WLAN files from HP and
installed them (also updated ActiveSync in the process). No change.

I notice also that, unless the PocketPC is in its cradle, the blinking
orange WiFi indicator LED no longer blinks--ever, even when I
explicitly turn the WiFi card on through iPAQ Wireless.

Does this mean the wireless card is toast or is there something I have
overlooked in responding to this problem?

Thanks in advance!