Ftape install/test problem with BackPack Model Model 141080

Hello,
I'm new to the group and of course have a problem.  I've dabbled
with linux for a number of years, but have never expairmented
with modules before.  I'm attempting to use a
Microsolutions BackPack Model 141080 tape drive on my 
on the one and only parallel port availalbe.
I have a Dell P586 pc.
I am using a precompiled kernel Version 2.2.16 from the
Slackware 7.1 Distribution.

I was not successful using the modules that came with this
distribution, and to be save I downloaded and build the most
recent versions of
ftape version 4.04
ftape-tools version 1.09

As preconfigured, it has the lp module installed.
I can't install bpck-fdc when lp is installed.
It says something like the 
'device is in use:
 hint this could be improper base or irq register
'
However if I rmmod lp.
and do the following install I can install everything.
'insmod ftape ft_fdc_driver=bpck-fdc,none,none,none
 insmode zftape
 insmode bpck-fdc
'

I have tried it as above and with the additional parameter
 insmode bpck-fdc ft_fdc_parport=0
both install and produce the listing below via lsmod:

'
 Module                  Size  Used by
 bpck-fdc               32368   0 
 zftape                 89996  -1  (unused)
 ftape                 145304   0  [bpck-fdc zftape]
 iBCS                  135636   0 
 pcmcia_core            48416   0 
 bsd_comp                3764   0  (unused)
 ppp                    20652   0  [bsd_comp]
 slhc                    4504   0  [ppp]
 parport_pc              7396   0 
 parport                 6952   0  [bpck-fdc parport_pc]
'

However the very first recommended test fails.
I type:
'ftmt -f /dev/qft0 status'

and the system responds:
'ftmt: /dev/qft0: Device not configured'

------------
So I need help. 
My thanks to all the good documentation out there, but it
doesn't mention this message.  I want it to be something simple!

I did do a search on the net and found a reference to this
message by someone else.  They never solved the problem but
suggest the (-1) entry in the 'used' column of lsmod is a bad
sign.  Suggestions?

Thanks, Will
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