Often when I change Wi-Fi hot spots I have to fuss with Mandriva a bit
to get things connected. Probably Mandriva has a way to save Wi-Fi
settings. I haven't found it. But maybe your Wi-Fi gets this way
after connecting to a few different hot spots.

Usually, before getting a connection in a new hot spot the routine
goes something like:
Click on double-computer icon. Wait for screen.
Open monitor.
Start Firefox. Click on Google. Wait for error message.
Click configure. Accept.
Connect using the button in the monitor window.
Maybe repeat configure and connect.

It's still better than the start-up and shut-down problems, etc. with
Vista. I've had problems with Vista not reading thumb drives that
work fine with Ubuntu and Mandriva. I use Vista about once a week.
After I get around to setting up XSANE I may wipe Vista.