It's got a wep key, and the key is memorized. After I click on it in that list, the password is already there and I just have to click 'connect' to get on.
No other connection has a problem starting up automatically (though to be truthful, I don't use anything other than airport usually).
I think it originated when I connected to another network that has the same name, but a different wep key. It may be using the old wep key to try to connect automatically (which fails) then allow me to connect with the stored wep key, which might be saved in a different location.
It works for other wireless networks, it only fails to connect automatically on this specific one.
Btw, my name is Eric too
