WAP Securtiy "ad hoc"

I had my router turned on for wireless and I noticed there were unsecured networks in my area. I tried to connect to some and it worked. Here is where it gets confusing though. The icon of the networks were 3 PC monitors and they all had the same name but ended with different numbers. I know the icons mean "ad hoc (computer to computer network)" and able to share files and such if file sharing is turned on.

There were several other networks available too but they were secure. Here is the unsecured ones I am referring to...

1. rick180
2. rick190
3. rick200

I noticed if my wireless was turned off on my router then I could not connect to those networks anymore. In fact, after I configured my router to stop wireless, I noticed that the "rick" networks were gone after about half hour later. So I was wondering, could it be possible that someone hacked my WEP and was using my connection for their own? I don't have WPA though I know it is much more safer.

When I was connect to the rick network, I did the "Ipconfig" command and got way different information then if I was on my own network which make this even more confusing.

Is my wireless network safe to turn back on or what? Why can I connect to that network when my router is enabled for wireless, but can't connect when my router's wireless is turned off even though my wireless card on my laptop is still on?

Wow, this post has been on here since the 27th and 50 views yet no replies. This place really sucks... count me out of here. Oh and, thanks for nothing...