Is your firewire device probed by the kernel?
Check the output of 'dmesg' with something like this:

$ dmesg | grep ^fw
fwohci0 at cardbus0 dev 0 function 3: VIA Technologies VT3606 OHCI
IEEE 1394 Controller (rev. 0x46)
fwohci0: interrupting at 11
...

If not, you'll need to enabling it in your kernel configuration files
and rebuild your kernel.

You can use a config file similar to this:
include "arch/i386/conf/GENERIC_LAPTOP"
fwohci* at cardbus? dev ? function ?    # IEEE1394 Open Host Controller
fwnode* at fwbus? idhi ? idlo ?
sbpscsi* at fwnode?
scsibus* at sbpscsi?

-Andrew

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 03:20:25 EST, Srotto1@aol.com <Srotto1@aol.com> wrote:
>  
> i'm trying to connect to an ipod on a E-feng pcmcia cardbus 32 bit PC CARD
> usb2.0/FireWire i have installed the pc card and have plugged in my ipod  in
> my dell inspiron 2650 notebook but the computer is not picking the ipod up.
> i'm not sure if the ipod is compatible but please if you have any tips in
> will be well appreciated