DPKG, please ignore dependencies...
 

I'm trying to install a modem driver for my modem from a .deb. package, and the only dependency it has is my kernel. Strangely, it's asking for the exact same kernel version as what come on my freshly-installed Debian release Sarge. I guess to get this modem driver to go in I must tell it to ignore that dependency and go on. How do I get DPKG to do so?

Before you go into a spill indicating that these dependencies must be resolved and bad things will happen if I do not resove them, keep in mind that they are resolved but still showing up, and I would not consider attempting to ignore dependencies unless I knew hard fact that everything's up to snuff.

You sure it's not asking for kernel-sources rather than kernel-image?

"No pre-built modules for: Debian-3.1 linux-2.4.27-2-386 i686"

That's the exact dependency, and I don't see any mention of "src" anywhere, and all source code packages I've seen are listed with a "src" tag. "i686" has always been binaries ready for use every time I've seen it.

nudge

Why would it display a dependency when the dependent package is already installed?

Because it's addicted, obviously. :D

The error is stating that there are no pre-built modules for your kernel. So you can't install the driver since the deb is prebuild for another kernel.
You could use module-assistant and build the module for your kernel if the source for the module is listed. You would also need the kernel-source if doing so. Easiest way to get it done is by running:
# apt-get install module-assistant
# m-a prepare (install any needed dependencies)
# m-a a-i 'name of driver' (if you know the name, otherwise just run m-a and browse the list for your driver)

powadha is right about why you are getting the dep issues. I suggest taking his advice and build your own module for your kernel. Even if you force your package to install ignoreing the dep issues, it still will not be able to run because there is no driver module for your existing kernel.

But, to answer your question for future reference (or if you don't believe us and want to try it) here is how to make dpkg ignore dep issues.

If more than one package needs to be ignored, seperate them with commas: