PS3 controllers don't automatically connect after powering on PS3

I have 3 controllers and this problem happens on all of them.

With any controller, unplugged, I can turn on my PS3. Then all of the controller LEDs blink. They never connect, until I plug in the USB cable. If I use a controller to turn on the PS3 it will show this problem (and oddly enough it will turn on the PS3), but then I can turn on a 2nd and it'll connect 100% fine.

I would suspect the BT module is bad but after a controller DOES connect it runs fine.. I'm clueless.