Wireless USB adaptor problem

So just figured I'd see if anyone has any ideas... I've got a machine running Win XP Pro. Have a wireless USB adaptor plugged in. Have the adaptor connecting to a wireless access point which goes to my router to the internet.

Everyday we go to use this machine, and it doesn't have a wireless connection... It detects the network, and is set to automatically connect, but doesn't connect. I click on connect, and it still never connects.

Initially I was getting it to connect by unplugging the wireless access points power, then replugging it in... it would then detect the network and connect as it should. (Mind you, I have a laptop with built in wireless that has no problems.. constant connection with Very Good to Excellent signal strength).

This is a MyEssentials USB adaptor which has it's own wireless utility for connecting to networks. I, however, use Windows wireless configuration to connect.

With that in mind, the other way I can get a connection is to open the MyEssentials config tool and select I want to use that tool to manage my wireless connections. It then connects with Very Low signal strength. But if I change it back right away to the windows config tool, it connects with Very Good to Excellent signal strength.

Any ideas on this?

Thanks.

I had the same issue with a client's PCI wireless adapter a few weeks back and this seemed to stop the NIC from shutting off:

Open Device manager => expand Network Adapters => right click your wireless USB adapter => select Properties => Click the 'Power Management' tab => Uncheck the box, 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power' and click Apply. Re-boot the PC...Apparently some are alot more sensitive than others...

Thanks.. I'll try that when I get a chance to get back to that machine.

EDIT: There is no power management tab for the USB wireless card....

Another EDIT: Just thought about it... there's a power management under the USB hub section of device manager. I'll try that and let you know.