@Yokobu, well if your trying to host from the laptop, things could get a bit complicated as you have to configure the laptops wireless networking system to allow flow, but from what i am getting from ya sounds like your hosting from ya main pc. Ok first things first if your hosting through a router you will have to enable the ports on the post by me above or use dmz like me ok well next you will have to make sure your Windows XP firewall is turned off, for this go to control panel, then to network connections, then right click on the connection your using and go to properties, in properties click the advanced tab at the top of the window, then under internet connection firewall make sure this box is unticked.

One thing i will say for the firewalls some when you allow access to the game allow you to host, norton firewall is liek this, ounce you permit it, it will allow you to host...if theres no router ^^ but yes you are right ZoneAlarms is a bugger and even if you allow the game and it lets you enter it and host but no one will see your game like you said.

One problem you will have is because ZoneAlarms isn't a firewall which allows access flow in and out of your pc whilst staying relatively secure what ever you do, you will be putting your pc at risk of hacking, this is the reason why over half the community doesnt host online, most of the people which do use Norton or McAfee or one which allows. Yet your safest option if you want to host whilst keeping relatively secure is to disable the XP firewall and ZoneAlarm and then enable the router ports which are given in the link above. Nearly all routers have what is called an NAT firewall which is an hardware firewall which is over 100times better then any software firewall so your pc should be dead safe almost, unlike dmz, where it puts your computer outside the firewall and so full access is easily gained to your computer.

Alot of this probably dont make sence lmao cause i have not read back through it and have just been typing away like i do :P but if i see any problems or if you have any further questions please ask YOKO and i will post again with extra information.