I have compiled the drivers from realtek.

Executing wlanup caused Knoppix to lock solid, so I tried each step manually...

insmod loads the driver without complaint. After setting some parameters with iwpriv I tried

iwpriv wlan0 enable

The command line prompt returns, but it's a solid lockup after that. No mouse, no ctrl-alt-del, zilch - have to power off and restart.

Any ideas?