Marvin,
The core problem is that the modem PCI card is not being detected as a PCI device, under the new kernel. Is if being recognized under Microsoft? Possible the hardware has failed.
That was the problem - in fact, it also failed under MS-Windows.
If the PC case can be opened, try unseating and reseating the card. Then retest.
That did not help, but luckily I have a second identical computer that serves as spare part repository - with the other modem and mainboard (changing the modem card alone did not suffice!) the Intel AC97 modem is now recognized using the snd_intel8x0m and slmodemd (smartlink-softmodem).
So it was indeed a hardware error. Thanks for your help! Best wishes Konni
