Can't connect to WiFi networks via tray icon, manually adding works fine

Question

I've searched for about a day for anyone having a similar issue and have come up with nothing so far.  I have an older HP laptop with Windows 7 32 bit that is having issues with connecting to WiFi networks.  It will find all available wireless
networks just fine, and when I select mine, it comes up with the prompt to enter my password, however when I hit OK to connect, the prompt disappears and nothing happens or responds afterwards.  A few things that I've tried in order to troubleshoot and
narrow down the problem:
-I've tried connecting to two different wireless networks; one with WPA2 encryption and one with no encryption, both have the same issue (obviously the non-encrypted wireless network doesn't prompt for a password, but once I hit connect all prompts disappear
and acts as if I did nothing).
-I've added the WPA2 encrypted network manually to my list of wireless networks, and once I do this it connects just fine.  When removed, it disconnects and the issue happens again (this confirms that the wireless password I'm entering is correct and
that there are no issues with the wireless network itself, as well as other devices working flawlessly on the same wireless network).
-I've disabled all firewalls and antivirus through this whole process, did not make a difference.
-I've reset winsock which didn't make a difference.
-I've run a virus scan, no viruses on the laptop.
I've run out of ideas as to what would prevent being able to connect to a wireless network through the normal process of finding nearby access points, putting in your password, and having it work.  I understand that I could simply leave the wireless
network added manually, but this is not an option for when the laptop is taken elsewhere as having to add whatever wireless network I'm near manually is not something that should have to be done.

Answer 1

I would recommend to update the driver for you wireless nic as a first step. Also, if installed, get rid of third party utilities that 'manage' your wireless network(s)
Also check if you can
clear out the remembered connections i've encountered issues before when a network with same ssid but different connection settings was stored by windows.
MCP/MCSA/MCTS/MCITP