My poor old laptop, sitting here with a beautiful new install of ubcd4win,
perhaps it's SP1?

Should I go do the slipstream for SP2 and re-burn?

The nic driver says it's not digitally signed and won't bring the nic up...

anyone else have this problem?

I'm assuming you used the latest version of the drivers addon? If so, I'll try to take a look at it once I get a chance.

Sure am, Drivers Version 1.6

I am rebuilding now with SP2 slipstreamed in,

possibly that may work, i will let you know if it does not.

also, i am using wep does that interfere i wonder

i suppose i just need the wireless zero config plugin I am not able
to connect to wep access point using the microsoft mn-510 (although
the system does detect the device...)