Hello,
Please try again to put the AP in boot mode: Use a paper clip or other tool to hold in the reset button for prolonged time (one will notice a slow flashing followed by a fast flashing). When the light is flashing quickly the access point is in BOOT mode, and the reset button can be released.
Delete the ARP cache of your laptop with arp -d.
Test with another cable between the AP and your laptop. Make sure that you are using a crossover cable. If you cannot use a cross over cable you can use a switch to connect your PC and the AP but you have to make sure that they are in an isolated VLAN with only the AP and your PC in it.
Double check if your PC has a static IP in the range 192.168.1.x/24.