[Wlug] usb 2.0 backward compatable? yes?

Hi gang, I did some research on whether or not usb 2.0 card (pci and pcmcia) would work with the 2.4 kernel. If I read right, the answer is yes, they will be seen as usb 1.0 and be able to use those drivers. Is this correct? Now, if I've got problem with my stupid bios not assigning a correct irq on my built-in usb controller, will this issue pan over to a pcmcia card as well? I've got no problem getting a new card for doing this, as I'd eventually want to have usb 2.0 devices come the 2.6 (3.0?) kernel anyway. I'd just be doing it sooner (and if mandrake figures out how to circumvent my bios, I'll have 4 or 6 ports! :-) ). Wes