2.4.24 & xfree = no go ::: need newer nvidia drivers?

[grepcomputers]

I just tried to upgrade to kernel 2.4.24 (I'm using 2.4.22 right now). It worked...except xfree wouldn't start. I have an nvidia geforce fx 5900.

I get errors something like this:
couldn't open /dev/nvidiactl
couldn't start nvidia kernel module

even as root I get these errors. it all works fine with 2.4.22 - and I've gone through and made sure all the settings in both kernels are the same (well, short of copying the .config of 2.4.22 into 2.4.24)

I am currently using nvidia drivers 1.0.4496-r1. Do I need to upgrade to a newer version for xfree to work?

I am using gentoo 1.4, btw. All I do to get xfree and opengl in 2.4.22 is "emerge nvidia-glx" (and make sure my XF86Config file is correct). Reemerging did not fix the problem. What is nvidia-kernel? Do I need this now?

cheers...
...grep

[Isaiah]

Emerging the nividia-kernel after nvidia-glx is what works for me now - the order never seemed to matter before (always did merge nvidia-kernel though)

[grepcomputers]

What does the nvidia-kernel *do*? Does it require a re-compile or something after being emerged?

It has been suggested that I reinstall the drivers...I did try reemerging them...do I need to unmerge them first and then reemerge them?

cheers...
...grep

[Isaiah]

The nvidia-kernel are the nvidia drivers - you have to recompile after you install a new kernel (most of the time)