Hi Dave, it seems to have been a new development to protect bidders from getting targeted. It seem to only kick in when the bidding reaches a certain amount, I think $200. I'm not sure if it's an option you can choose in your auction or wether ebay inplemented it for all.

If you see an auction like that just click & it will give you a brief explantion.

Now my question, I'm in Australia so it's only 6.30pm so I have an excuse, but why are you still up!!!