[X4U] Firmware 4.2.8 install went sour- no ethernet or USB after install

[Andrew J. Yon III]

   I decided to upgrade a G4 Gigabit ethernet dual 500 mhz, 10.3.8, 1 GB 
RAM, firmware 4.1.9 with a Gigadesigns  original dual 1.33 GHZ 
processor. The documentation that came with the kit said updating to 
firmware 4.2.8 was necessary. I  downloaded the update from Apple's 
site using my LAN network on Cable roadrunner. After first running disk 
permissions repair, I booted to 9.1 and did the firmware update to 
4.2.8. It completed with a message saying the install was successful . 
I rebooted to 10.3.8 only to find that the USB ports and the ethernet 
ports now no longer work at all. I put in the dual 1.3's and they 
perform as advertised. huge speed increase, however : still no USB or 
ethernet. I put everything back to stock : 128 MB RAM, dual 500, empty 
PCI slots , and etc.  Still no USB or ethernet. I zapped the PRAM at 
least 10 times. no avail. I did CUDA reset, no avail. I pulled the 
battery, AC cord and pushed the power button, then reinstalled battery 
and rebooted. No avail. Pulled the battery and left it set overnite. No 
avail. I have googled and Apple knowledge based till my eyes are 
bloodshot and my fingers are sore. no avail. All I can find under the 
problems with firmware updating is with Video and Audio. Nowhere do I 
find where USB and ethernet stops working after the update.  When I try 
to redo the firmware update, I tells me that I already have 4.2.8 and 
the installers quits. I have done hundreds of firmware updates but have 
never heard or experienced this resulting problem.

Any ideas.


Andy3