Wireless connnection problem - Inspirion Mini XP

Sorry if this answer existed somewhere else, I searched through the threads and couldn't find this situation.

I have a new Dell Inspirion Mini with XP; works great, expect I cannot get an IP address from my wireless network.  The odd thing is, after playing with various options, I can connect fine when I remove the password from the wireless network.  However, when I put the password back in, I connect but stay in Authentication status.  I'm using WPA Personal.  I can connect to this network from my other computers and accessories.  I'm trying to connect using the Dell Wireless LAN utility....I noticed that the Encryption Type on the Link Status tab is "AES; Key Absent", not sure if that is a clue or not.  I'd rather not keep my network open without a password...has anyone had this problem?

Thanks.