bad drivers for usb wireless adapter

My dad just got me this for christmas http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...FcKPPAodYH0AZw but unfortunately both my fedora and ubuntu machines are having a difficult time picking up signal or connecting to networks. I also have a linksys wireless-g adapter which was made ages ago and works even better. I'm a little confused by these results and am wondering if it's a driver issue. Fedora/Ubuntu seems to recognize it just fine and it picks up signal really well on XP. Please help me make my dad's gift not in vain!