WNDR4500 Connection Issues

So I got the router reset to work with the paperclip.  I've got it so that I can connect to the router with my computer IF I don't have the router connected to the internet.  Still when I connect from the modem to the router, the wifi lights won't come on.  As soon as I disconnect that network cable and restart the router, however, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz lights come right on.  So great, I connect my laptop directly to the modem and then connect, also, to the wifi network (now the default wifi name and password printed on the router), but it won't make it 2 steps into genie because "No Ethernet Cable Is Plugged into the Router Internet Port".  Kind of a catch 22 going on here.  Am I able to connect directly from the router to the laptop?  If so, do I need a crossover cable?  I can make one if need be...  Thanks!