Macbook pro suddenly stopped recognizing airport card

[JordanZink]

So this has been a 2 day problem so far, and i dont think i've ever used google more in 2 days.

However, i've yet to find a fix.

So, the story.

I got a macbook pro (bought it used) for college. it was working just fine, and then i decided to install Vmware fusion. So i downloaded the trial, but for some reason, it would actually download it.
so i plugged into ethernet, and it downloaded.

Then, next thing i know, when i unplug from ethernet i cant connect to wireless. Whatever i do, it wont turn on when i click "turn on"

then, the turn on button disappeared. Now, when i click the thing in the top menu, it says "no airport card installed"

I've tried nvram, pram, smc, whatever. its a 2010 macbook pro 13, so i cant pull the battery.

Idk what else to do. i've tried seriously every suggestion i've found on google, but none worked.
I really dont wanna take it into apple cuz im a broke college kid.

any help is greatly appreciated. I'm about to run to class and golf and work, so i'll check tonight for any responses. thanks!

 

[EvenStranger]

First thing I'd try is booting it to its system DVD. If the Airport still isn't working properly, then it could be hardware. The Airport card in that unit is inside the hinge cover. Sometimes it just goes - like a light bulb. If the computer was a 2010 model, it might still be under warranty. Worth punching in the serial number on Apple's support page to check. If it was never registered, Apple allows the purchase date to be set up to 90 days past the manufacture date, so you might be able to squeeze it under the wire.

 

[JordanZink]

How would i boot to the system dvd?

 

[chscag]

Boot with your install recovery DVD that you received with your MBP. Hold down the C key and reboot with DVD in the optical drive. Run the Apple Hardware Test.

 

[JordanZink]

ok here's where im at now.

i booted to system dvd, and went to network utility from the top menu.
it showed a wifi interface (en1) and when i clicked on info it showed me like a hardware number or something.

while on the start up disk, the wifi thing on the top menu showed empty bars-- it said airport is on grayed out, and turn wifi off as clickable.

but, when i rebooted, i was back to the empty pie in the menu and it saying no airport card installed.

so i know now that its not a hardware issue, its something software related.

 

[EvenStranger]

At this point, I'd open network settings, delete (-) the Airport interface from the list on the left and click Apply. Then add (+) a new Airport interface and click Apply. See if the new interface connects properly. If the system won't allow you to add a new Airport interface, it might require a reinstall of the OS or taking it to a technician for more in-depth evaluation.