[gentoo-user] kernel linux-2.6.27-gentoo-r7 won't load network!

[Denis]

Hello and Happy New Year!

I was just updating from kernel linux-2.6.24-gentoo-r7 to
linux-2.6.27-gentoo-r7 using the "oldconfig" method, and I cannot get
the new kernel to load my network.  I have Intel network hardware that
runs on the E1000 driver, which I generally compile right into the
kernel - never had any problem.  For some reason, the
linux-2.6.27-gentoo-r7 kernel leaves me netless.  I try to start the
"net.eth0", and it says 'please verify your hardware driver' or
something to that extent.  Has anyone else encountered this problem?

I just compiled linux-2.6.25-gentoo-r9, and everything runs fine - no
network problems at all!

Is this a known problem, or have I run into a freak case of bad luck?

Cheers,
Denis