debugging firmware

[linux <linux@networkingnewsletter.org.uk>]

I've traced my 'no stage 1 firmware' error, when attempting to use the 
Speedtouch modem on 2.6.11 (k7) unstable following a recent 'dist-upgrade', to
/usr/src/kernel-source-2.6.11/drivers/usb/atm/speedtch.c
in the following loop, but I'm not au fait enough with C to understand why 
it fails. All hints welcome! as far as I can see, with comparison with a 
working Debian box, all my firmware files are there! Thanks, Michael

	if (request_firmware(fw_p, buf, &instance->u.usb_dev->dev)) {
		sprintf(buf, "speedtch-%d.bin.%x", phase, major_revision);
		dbg("speedtch_find_firmware: looking for %s", buf);

		if (request_firmware(fw_p, buf, &instance->u.usb_dev->dev)) {
			sprintf(buf, "speedtch-%d.bin", phase);
			dbg("speedtch_find_firmware: looking for %s", buf);

			if (request_firmware(fw_p, buf, &instance->u.usb_dev->dev)) {
				dev_warn(&instance->u.usb_dev->dev, "no stage %d firmware found!", phase);
				return -ENOENT;
			}
		}
	}