Error Printing through router

Here's the set up: 
Two computers attached to a local router netowrk: a new Dell Laptop (Windows 7) and an older Dell desktop (Vista). The printer (also Dell) is connected through the desktop. With the proper driver installed, the laptop can "see" the printer (not wireless) and is set as default printer.

Whenever I attempt to print something from the laptop I get a "Error - Printing" message. Spent an hour on the phone with Dell, literally talked to 10 people and, well, to be polite, I got no help, just bounced around the globe. 

Any thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated. 

Thanks, 

RICK