Can't connect to 128-bit encrypted network

Question

I'm trying to use my Airport card to connect to a 128-bit hex encrypted Linksys network. My roommate has a PC laptop and has connected without any problems, but whenever I try to log on, I get a "incorrect password" message. I've selected "WEP 40/128 bit hex", checked the password multiple times, and tried entering both the regular, 26-character password and the password preceded by the "$" hex escape (my computer will only accept the regular password), so I can't figure out what else could be wrong.
Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!
One of the problems with WEP is that the actual standard relies on a 10 character HEX key for 40bit WEP and a 26 character HEX key for 128bit WEP.
In order to make things easier for people, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling people to use simple memorable WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys.
The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AEBS will be hashed differently on a Netgear client and vice versa.
One thing is a 13 character 128 bit WEP password will be hashed by all vendors in the same way (if you use 40bit WEP then a 5 character password is required).
Though sometimes not even that works and the HEX key must be used regardless.
AirPort: Joining an encrypted wireless network
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106424
Choosing a password for networks that use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058
iFelix