Networking :: PCMCIA card not recognized - very weird

I have a very weird problem. I have a Realtek 8139-based PCMCIA network card that is not detected in DSL in either of my two sony laptops.

Theres the twist at the end:

When I put the same PCMCIA card into a PCMCIA -> PCI adapter which is installed in my desktop computer and boot using the same DSL CD, the network card is recognized. This is a great mystery. Anyone know what gives? Its important I get the PCMCIA card working in the laptop. Please help!

(It can't be done is not an option, as I will hack if need be)

Seems like a pcmcia problem in your Sony laptops. Can you try another pcmcia card?
Does a search with the models of those here bring any results?

Then there are a number of boot codes that can get your pcmcia bus working. First that comes to mind is pcmcia=assign-busses

original here.