Eth0 will not work after kernel recompile

[Jeremy Petzold <jpetzold@earthlink.net>]

I have compiled a new kernel with ACPI support to get my sound working. 
I was successful in getting my sound working (thank you Max). but now, 
as with other kernel compiles with diffrent versions, I can not get my 
network to come back up.

my working kernel is the 2.4.18-bf2.4-xfs

my dmesg from the new kernel looks exactly like the dmesg from my kernel 
working kernel (except for the ACPI stuff)

is there somthing I have to do to get it working after I boot a new kernel?

I have a realtek 8139 ethernet chip. and I have tried compiling the 
driver into the kernel, I have tried making it a module. I have tried 
other kernels that do not include ACPI, and I have tried 2.4.18 source 
without ACPI.

what am I doing wrong?

thanks,

Jeremy