make module for nic

Hello,
Trying to solve a nic driver problem on RH linux with kernel 2.4.20-8. I seems that make it is looking in the place for the nic driver. Here is what I have tried and the result errors. Please ignore typos.

modeprobe tulip
/lib/modules/2.4.20-8/kernel/drivers/net/tulip/tulip.o: unresolved symbol_netdev_watchdog_up_R19eface2 etc....

/var/log/boot.log
localhost ifup: tulip device eth1 does not seem to be present, delaying initialization.
localhost network: Bringing up interface eth1: failed

/etc/modules.conf
alias eth1 tulip

Doing a make modules the last few lines are:
make[2] [ieee1394_core.o] Error 1
make[2] : Leaving directory /usr/src//drivers/ieee1394
make[1] [_modsubdir-ieee1394] Error 2
make[1] Leaving Directory /usr/
/drivers
make: [_mod_drivers] Error 2

I seems that make it is looking in the place for the nic driver. Should I edit one of the Makefiles? Should I be looking somewhere else for the cause of not being unable to install the nic driver? Any feedback would be much appreciated!

Thank you,
jim