There may be patches to the backport available. Download and install the source, including the usb back port if you are using version 2.2. Below shows an example of installing the the 2.2 source code, and the backport. Next, a critical step, is determining which type of USB host controller you have. Intel chipset motherboards, i.e. the BX chipset, are typically UHCI controllers.
Most addon cards are OHCI controllers.
Then you have a UHCI based controller. Then you have a OHCI based controller. Now we need to configure, and make your kernel. I have compiled these into the kernel, and as modules. After you did that, finish installing your kernel, and reboot.