WiFly Configuration Process - No response to $$$

I have my wifly shield connected to the arduino uno via spi pins 10-13. And it works alright as long as I have some other serial connection (usb or device on pins 0,1) Otherwise it doesn't, a bit strange but still it works fine then.

I don't know if you are also using usb, if so, then you can't use the serial 0,1 pins on the arduino without conflict.