Hello,

I'm trying to compile my 2.6.15 kernel to support hotplug firmware loading, but in menuconfig I seem unable to select it, there's "---" instead of "< >" next to it. The same is also true of HOTPLUG. Neither seem to be dependant on anything, compiling the kernel appears to leave it out. How do I select Y or M for these?!?

There's a key you press for help on any particular kernel config option.Some have [ ] which you can click on to expand and others have( ). The kernel has KMOD option,not the same as hotplug support for devices, should be enabled with (*)that allows it to load modules it sees as needed. Make sure you also have(*) for support for hotpluggable devices. You choose *,M or blank for any option.
Any way go step by step thru each section and look thru help files to get the optimal kernel config. And then go back and review your steps. If you have another 2.6 kernel config file you can use that as guide(or use make old config); or your friendly neighborhood linux user(LOL) may help. Ask again if you have a question.

I have read the help, it doesn't actually mention what to do when there's "---" next to an option.

As for what you mentioned, on menuconfig it looks like:-

Loadable module support
\[*] Enable loadable module support

General setup
--- Support for hot-pluggable devices