Linksys WRT54G - Compaq Presario 2570US (builtin wireless) drops connection if WEP is enabled.

WRT54G Config:
firmware v1.41.2
g only, channel 11
wep 128 bit
dhcp enabled

hardwired to Dell desktop (XP pro)
wireless to Compaq Presario 2570US notebook (XP Pro), builtin Broadcom 54G
MaxPerformance 802.11g
internet connection via cable modem, dynamic IP address.

No matter how close I put the notebook to the WRT54G, it gets a strong
connection and loses it after a few minutes.
As soon as it loses the connection, it gets it back again.

If I disable WEP, the problem disappears. I would prefer not to disable
WEP.

Any ideas on how to overcome the problem would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
-jp