Going to try 2.6.18-rc4 see if they are in there ....

As you say building kernel is not something I want to do ....

google whats that rofl .... yes I did have a look around not the only one with the problem but not being able to boot knoppix upset me (not Klaus's fault!)... you can please some people some of the time but not all the people all the time ....

keep you posted ...