This is the solution which i've got today...i will update the progress...
I know the feeling.I have just spent all week trying to fix the same problem with my new DV6152EU.
I have just solved the problem with the adapter and i have restarted the laptop ten times and it is now finding the Broadcom 802.11 wireless WLAN everytime.
My solution is as follows:
Insert the battery with power off.Turn laptop on and allow to start normally.Once fully loaded up,select shutdown from start menu.Remove power and then the battery.
IMPORTANT STEP AS FOLLOWS:
Leave mains power switched off and keep the battery out of the laptop.Press and hold in the POWER ON switch on the laptop for 20 seconds and then release.
Plug the laptop to the mains socket with battery still left out and power up as normal.The adapter should now be visible.
THE REASON:
The motherboard,battery and adapter are having an undiagnosed conflict as stated in another responce.Pressing and holding the POWER ON button with no external power source clears the motherboard and any internal power storing devices of their power,allowing the adapter to reset and work.This must be a problem with thousands of laptops made by HP and i was surprised that no information on patches or updated drivers are available for this particular fault as it has occured in many countries.
I really hope this helps all of you as i was going dizzy trying to cure this fault and the feeling of relief when it worked was immense.
HP dont seem to be responding as a few of you have stated,very very very poor assistance from them.Broadcom also are not blameless and both companies should get together and come up with a solution as laptops are designed to be mobile,but that isnt the case if the wireless function is faulty.
