Do you have all the modules loaded, natsemi and pci-scan? I seem to
recall that natsemi needed pci-scan. In my /etc/network/interfaces
file, I have the following:
auto eth1
iface eth1 inet static
pre-up modprobe natsemi
address 192.168.100.125
netmask 255.255.255.0
However, I don't use DHCP or the kernel you mention. I believe I am
still at 2.2.19. Good luck.
Brian