Dear Sven and List, My solution.
I recompiled the latest kernel 2.6.15-3 with sound and alsa as modules. I then blew away udev (I hate it). I rebooted. I saw that alsa was started during the bootup messages. I then ran alsamixer to make everything loud. I then began to play my mp3s!!! Yabadabadoo!!! The problem was udev. I have no clue how to use the sucker. I wish it made sense. I have read and reread the documentation. I prefer to have my devices there. Why would I want my sound devices coming in and out in userland? if it had a trivial configuration tool then i would put up with it, but such arcane rules for so little benefit.... Mitchell -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
