Windows

Start by downloading the latest driver from 3com. While installing the driver a diagnostic program usually pops up. Run the diagnostics.

Also, check the BIOS settings. Sometimes resetting the pnp options to default values and having the BIOS discover devices again can be a help.

Another good place to look is the manufacturer's support website. There might be a known problem with your laptop/network card combination.

If this doesn't work, why don't you post the moden number of your 3com card to help get a specific answer.

Perhaps you can also set the hardware configuation manually for the audio card. Try and use Base 220 550 IRQ 5 or 7 DMA 1

This is a real problem with W2K. It's unable to properly handle busmaster devices sharing the same resource. Also it's not always reassigning resources on PCI boards even if PNP/legacy device has been found conflicting. Seems to me, thats your case.The sharing rule may differ from one motherboard to another (so, better to read your manual carefully). Usually vendors count the extension slots from the power supply connector. The very first one has a highest IRQ number assigned. By default, every next slot is sharing. However, AGP-slot is sharing with the first PCI-slot, 1st PCI with 2nd one, and so on. So, make sure to spread all of your cards to avoid possible conflicts. Check the position of your 3COM, and its left and right neighbors. In the case of sharing with soundcard, move them to the other slots.
Go to your CMOS setup. If you don't know how to manualy configure resource allocation for devices, change configuration to AUTO. Make sure to do a Reset Configuration Data in Advanced Options (typically right after PNP OS Installed=Yes). That's about it. If W2K is still unable to find your cards, go to control Panel -> System -> "Hardware" -> Device Manager and uninstall glitching devices. And proceed Scan For Hardware Changes.If you don't have a proper driver or if you still expiriense missconfiguration, don't hesitate to email me your situation, and I'll try to resolve it directly.

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