This is a completely different issue then what I was having. Mine wouldn't auto connect when rebooted, but would see the Wi-Fi networks.

From what the article said, that problem sounds like software.

But from your explanation, it sounds like your issue is hardware.

What OS are you running? I'd try a reinstall of the OS first. If that doesn't work, I would think about replacing the AirPort Card. Even though it came factory installed, I think there is a way to replace it.