Are you sure this is an ATI problem? I just got exactly the same problem with my Thinkpad R60 that uses an Intel graphics adapter. However I also update my kernel regularly (now using 2.6.23-rc9) and initially assumed it was related to the new thinkpad-acpi driver.
In my case the brightness keys also work in console mode. Marcus -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]