Cant connect to a wireless network

Hello.
I just bought a new laptop and when I use it at home thru a secured home network, it works perfectly fine. I brought it at my mate's place and I couldnt connect thru their secured wireless network because a prompt is asking me for the Network Name of the connection. But then whenever my mate's uses their Windows/Mac laptops, they get to connect straightaway, without the prompt popping out. I asked him for their Network Name and he said he doesnt know about this because it NEVER asks them for it (whenever people uses their laptops). I was just wondering how could I know about the Network Name and access their wireless network. We tried using the long code on the router, the computer name and everything but still my laptop couldnt access their network, but everyone else can. Please help me with this.
Thanks .