Unknown Device in Device Manager - XP Pro

[Novice01]

I have an "Unknown Device" listed under Network Adaptor of the Device Manager. All attempts either to uninstall or upgrade software have failed. I must remove this unkown device to be able to install Linksys WUSB54GS wireless adaptor. The installation of the wireless adaptor keeps failing othewise. I have even booted in safe mode but the device is still there
Any suggestions please.

 

[alidabiri]

in device manager, does it have a yello ! sign on it?

can you disable on network in control panel?
usually that's all you have to do.
can you install the "right" drivers for it and once it becomes "civil", then attempt to remove it from device manager or remove from network in control panel?

 

[stduc]

Is this a motherboard device that you could disable in the BIOS?