Here's a restated fix for your issue:

1. pick up the hellophone.
2. call sprint and bitch. the right to do this is why you're paying them for their service. by all means exercise that right, this is their problem.
3. if/when sprint balks at fixing the issue, ask to speak with their supervisor, repeat step 2.

The big issue with service industries like sprint/aol/etc functioning as ISP's is that they have to make their hardware and software universally compatible. If for whatever reason, their card doesn't work in your laptop, it becomes their responsibility to *make* it work or lose your business, plus the business of everyone you tell about how shoddy their service is. Make them EARN your money!