Not sure the Ace even uses IR at all, I thought it used Bluetooth and WiFi for its connection methods. Since it connects to your phone just fine, my guess would be some issue with your laptop’s Bluetooth signal. Not sure if that is interference relayed, or a problem with the software or hardware in the laptop. I’d likely start by calling Sonos Support directly to discuss it.

When you speak directly to the phone folks, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.