I dual boot WinXP and Slackware 8.1 on my new box right now. I am trying to get my usb keyboard and usb MS Intellimouse optical(2 button w/ scroll wheel, USB->PS2 converter) working properly in console(havnt messed w/ X yet) on kernel 2.4.19. At first, in 2.4.18, I had difficulties getting my usb Intellimous to work, while my usb keyboard worked fine. Then the problem flipped and my mouse was working but keyboard was not. I fixed the problem with trying different modules and finally got them both working together in 2.4.18. Now in kernel 2.4.19, the problem is back again. My mouse works but not my keyboard. Keep in mind I'm only concentrated on getting them both working properly with the basic console now, and i'll move on to X after this. After comparing installed modules of the 2 diff kernels, I figured my problem was the hid module not using the input module in kernel 2.4.19. Here are the two lsmods:

2.4.18 - KB WORKS
Module Size Used by Not tainted
pcmcia_core 40896 0
ide-scsi 7456 0
3c59x 24648 1
mousedev 3776 0 (unused)
keybdev 1664 0 (unused)
hid 18848 0 (unused)
input 3072 0 [mousedev keybdev hid]
uhci 23336 0 (unused)
usbcore 48000 0 [hid uhci]

2.4.19 - KB DOESN'T WORK
Module Size Used by Tainted: P
NVdriver 988672 0 (unused)
ide-scsi 7472 0
3c59x 24656 1
mousedev 3736 0 (unused)
keybdev 1664 0 (unused)
input 3072 0 [mousedev keybdev]
hid 14756 0 (unused)
uhci 23440 0 (unused)
usbcore 54272 0 [hid uhci]

I figured this could be the problem but I dont know how to fix it. Should I possibly try looking into a newer -pre or -ac kernel? I would need some help since I've dont know how to patch a kernel.
-malix