I can understand your annoyance - I've set up this facility on my own laptop and it's very useful.
Simple facts in this are that your laptop is capable of sending/receiving faxes. Therefore, you should be able to do so, all that's missing is the configuration.
So, here's what you do..
Open a new MSWord document - type something in it and then save it with the name "Test".
Now, go to File - Send To - Fax recipient
This will open a Wizard - click Finish (Do not click Next)
This will open a second Wizard - Click Next - Enter the details required - Continue to click Next until you are finished.
Ensure that your telephone line in connected to your laptop - listen for a dialtone - sit back and relax as you have sent your first fax.
In the event that you are not now sitting back comfortably then go to the Control Panel look at the Fax icon and usually under the Fax Service Management Console headings you will find the send/receive box - ensure that this is ticked. If this does not solve it then go back to where you bought it and get them to set it up for you. Let us know how you get on