On Windows 98/ME check for IRQ conflicts by clicking on Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Information.. Once the Microsoft System Information window appears, click on "Hardware Resources" and then on "Irqs."
Check for any Irq number that appears 3 or more times. If so, this is an Irq conflict. To resolve this, suggest the user relocate the conflicting PCI device to another PCI slot so that that device only uses an IRQ sharing nothing more than with "IRQ Holder for PCI Steering." Check for an IRQ description that has the word "Free" as this indicates an IRQ is available. If none appear to be free, suggest the user remove a hardware device currently using an IRQ . Also, if the Com ports (serial) are not in use, disable them in the Bios to free up those IRQ’s.