Internet issue. Is my mac the problem?

I just moved into a new place recently and want to run my new macbook pro on wireless cable internet. This is my first time actually trying my mac with internet. For some reason when the network is password protected it won't let me log on. It tries to connect and then says connection timeout. But when my roommate unlocks the network I can use the internet. I'm putting in the correct password. Anyone know what the deal is?

I suppose I've stumped everyone.

What do you mean - when my roommate unlocks the network? Does the wireless network use access control which would need your MAC - Machine Access Code

Yea I've occasionally had that problem when I was working under Leopard... so far (knock on wood) SL seems to have resolved the issue... but I would occasionally get booted from my wireless router and then try to connect, and it would time out. I'd have to restart the router (unplug and plug back in) and then try again.

Collin Bl said:

What do you mean - when my roommate unlocks the network? Does the wireless network use access control which would need your MAC - Machine Access Code

Click to expand...

Someone told me that my wireless encryption settings on my laptop may not match the router's i.e. WEP, WPA, etc... Not sure if that's what you mean. Can anyone tell me how to find out which one it is?