So it rather sounds to me like WEP is implemented in hard/firmware on my
Toshiba and is broken, flawed or dated.  Only solution may be a new adapter
or not using any WEP sites like my house (though I can always run a cable
here).

Thanks for the feedback folks.
-- 
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.  - Dr. Seuss