Mac Book OSX 10.5.7 Airport Status Disappeared from Menu Bar

I recently download OSX 10.5.7 and now my wi-fi connection does not show up in menu bar. When I'm outside I use the visual feedback to move the screen or place my lawn chair closer to the house. I have reset the show airport status in menu bar. It works for a while then disappears again. I've had my mac book since Nov2007 and this is the first time the airport status has disappeared from menu bar. thanks for any guidance.