SCSI modules not auto loading for slacko 5.3.3 -4g SCSI iso

[etude]

Slacko 5.3.3-4g SCSI full , fresh install (no pets) on....

Processor AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+ @ 2Ghz
Memory 967MB (94MB used).

....is not auto loading module for AIC-7850 according to pupscan:

DESCRIPTION: SCSI storage controller: Adaptec AIC-7850
VENDOR: 9004 DEVICE: 5078

sg not loaded either per pupscan and "modprobe sg"

Xsane .997 wants both. (sane-find-scanner comes up empty).

same hardware system running 4.3.1 scsi intel modems (with Xsane) works fine for Scanjet 4c SCSI scanner. ditto for win XP Sp3 and built-in scanner wizard.

Using 5.3.3 -4g on another, slower machine with 128MB RAM and a different adaptec card and SCSI works fine

could use 4.3.1 with XVESA video but would rather have slacko
with radeon driver and other niceties. wondering if AIC-7850 was trimmed out for this release. (checked and is not commented out in modules.conf BTW) can you point me to relevant log files .rc files, firmware or whatever to check further ?

ps: i'm SOMETIMES seeing what looks like conflicting loaded module info from pupscan interfaCE INFO and the bootmanager list of loaded/blacklisted modules. In any event, should the sg and any kernel-included modules like the AIC-7850 show up in the loaded (left) pane of bootmanager?

thinking this is timing related. happy to do leg work, just need some mentoring

thanks in advance