Linux Vs IBM ThinkPad i1400 series

[John Melair]

Ok, I am trying to install Linux on my ThinkPad (this is my first attempt
with loading anything other than Windows) but can't seem to get it to
recognize my PCMCIA cards (no support loaded at all -- system doesn't even
see the cards)
Can someone help with a command or two to load in the PCMCIA support?

All assistance is greatly appreciated

John Melair