Well, I didn't get any replies to my question so after trying to install a precompiled kernel (kernel-image-2.6-386) which wouldn't boot I went to
http://developer.linuxtag.net/knoppix/i386/ & downloaded the file
kernel-image-2.4.23-xfs_10.00.Custom_i386.deb which installed & booted
OK. So I've upgraded my kernel slightly, sound works, the mouse scroll wheel works again & my externel usb drive will mount. I guess I'll just have to wait for kernel-image-2.6.3-xfs_10.00.Custom_i386.deb to show up.
Max