Yes knoppix 3.2 was great in that it would autodetect and automount firewire drives. Something changed in the kernel/version of 1394 used, so that no longer happens :(

The modules are fine. Just been through what you've been through, and yes in the end I was able to mount and use my external firewire drive.

Download and run rescan-scsi-bus.sh and then try mounting your drive. If that doesn't work, try the steps outlined at http://www.linux1394.org/faq.html#sbp2trouble

Can't go into many more details now as I'm at work :( Will check back later here tonight if possible.