Sarge testing 2.6 boot problems

[John Kerr Anderson <jkerrand@fmail.co.uk>]

Hello,

I've tried installing a custom modularised kernel version 2.6.5 on Debian 
Sarge testing.  I'm using ext3 filesystem and compiled it directly into 
the kernel along with ReiserFS sypport (I read you need it in order to 
avoid an initrd image).

Everytime it tries to boot the new kernel I get the following error:

VFS: Cannot open root device "301" on unknown-block(3,1)
Please append a correct "root" boot option
Kernel panic: VFS unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(3,1)

The hard disk partition used for booting is /dev/hda1 which is specified 
in Lilo.  I originally used Grub and experienced the same exact problem.

I've compiled my own kernels before but never 2.6 series and never with 
this many problems...  I seems to be that its some sort of file system 
error message, but I don't know what.  I've tried everything.  The 
motherboard is an Intel 845WN.

If anyone can shed some light on this situation I would be very happy! 
:-)

Cheers,

John Kerr Anderson