USB Wireless Dongles - Compatible with Win 8

I am still having issues with my current internal laptop Atheros Qualcomm Wireless device. It is picked up by Windows 8 but it keeps saying that it's not working or there is a problem with the access point. I happen to know that my access point and my router is working fine as everything else is connecting fine to the wireless network. I am at a loss to what to do to fix it. I've uninstalled and re-installed the drivers and still the wireless card doesn't work.
So now I am thinking of using a USB wireless modem? Should I give that a try as last resort?