It may be a failsafe to avoid overcharging of the batts, but the fools at HP tech support should have been able to tell you that if it was the case. However with HP outsourcing tech support to India, Roger (I mean Rajah) and his tech support isnt the highest level.
If your lappy batt charges fine when it's totally depleted, I wouldnt worry. And really you shouldnt be topping off a charge at 95-99%... LET IT DRAIN!