After trying the following procedures recommended by another forum, here is my result.. Zero.
1) I have entered the Red Hat 9.0 in text mode adding the text qualifiers:
linux nodma noapic apm=off nopcmcia.
This does nothing ....the keyboard is nonresponsive.
2) If I change the text line command to:
linux nodma noapic apm=off nopcmcia nousb
The keyboard now functions for the RedHat 9.0 installation.
However, this is NOT what I need. Of course, the Lacie drive is not visible (as indicated in the
nousb command).
Is there something else to substitute?

As for other Linux operating systems, Suse 9.0 accepts the Lacie drive and tries to install. However, it has a kernel panic statement complaining about the laptop hardware.
Suse has been contacted and they recommend the operating system's rescue installation procedure (I have tried it before).

I still want Red Hat 9.0 to be my laptop's SECOND operating system. Any ideas?