> Do you have a Keyspan adapter or any other non-factory device 
> connected to your Powerbook. Such devices are known to make Modem 
> ports "disappear". Or do you have any software, such as the Palm 
> Desktop (inc. Serial Port watcher) software installed?

Thanks Derek, I do have Palm running, and I tried turning off the 
Serial Port Monitor, but no joy. I also have a USB mouse, and a 
Handspring cradle. Tried disconnecting all of them, no joy. The fact 
that the modem is not available under X as well, would suggest its 
not related to software though, right?