Compiling kernel 2.4.0

[Gabor Zoltan Csejtey <Gabor.Csejtey@idi.ntnu.no>]

I downloaded the 2.4.0 kernel and compiled it. I managed to install it
however I cannot make a meaningful modules.dep file in the
/lib/modules/2.4.0

I booted the new kernel and used 
depmod -a
depmod -v

but the modules.dep length remained 0. In the case of 2.2.17 kernel
I got around 2.5 KB modules.dep file using the same /etc/modules.conf

What tool shall I use to produce the modules.dep ?

Gabor
PS.
Or I cannot use modules?