Yes, this non-response is normal activity when a password expires and your computer is set to auto log-on to the server. This happens with AppleShare 3.0.x, 4.0.x, and 4.1. The password has expired message from the server is not seen by a user until they select the server through the Chooser.
Also a server's alias will report that it can't find the server on the network when a users password has expired. In either case you can choose the Chooser from the Apple menu, select the server, and enter your new password when prompted from the password has expired message.