There might be some misunderstanding here.
1 Whilst you need to Admin approval to enable or disable an adapter within Windows 7, you do not need admin approval to
switch it on or off unless your IT dept have set up special limitations on that [and it sounds as though they have not]. Check that it is enabled in your BIOS or get the IT dept to check that.
2 Does the Network & sharing center, Change adapter settings show the adapter as being disabled? If so then right-click on it to confirm that it is disabled & that admin approval is required to enable it then tell the IT dept. [this enabling is normally
in addition to enabling it in BIOS]
3 To switch it on or off you need to check your PC manual as it varies between PCs. There might be a switch on the side of the PC or there might be a keyboard key with a drawing of a transmitting mast on it. The PC manufacturer might also have provided
for it to be switched on or off in the Windows Mobility Center - press the WinLogo key and the x key to have a look at this or go through Control panel.