how to use nowheel cheatcode after HD install?

[mantoy]

when booting from cd i use the 'nowheel' cheatcode at boot prompt in order for my laptop's touchpad and ps/2 mouse to work. now that i've installed knoppix on my hd, how do i make my touchpad and mouse work the way it used to when booting from cd? i've tried adding nowheel after the Linux bootprompt but it doesn't work.

anybody care to help me on this?

i'm using compaq armada 1750.

thanks.