Here's what i would try:
1. make xconfig
2. make dep clean modules modules_install bzdisk
3. depmod -a (you didn't forget THIS did you??) I think you might have to have
rebooted the new
kernel to do this effectively (see #5)
4. reboot with the disk
5. if any problems w/ modules on bootup, then
I am now trying my 5th compile of kernel-2.4.1-9mdk source. I have been able
to boot fine but cannot use my 3c900 card, even with the driver compiled into
the kernel (I am back to modular now). I simply do this:
1. make xconfig
2. make dep
3. make clean
4. nohup make bzImage
5. make modules