Can't get any PCI-E card to work, help

I've searched everywhere for this and can't seem to find an answer
i'm sorry if this is mentioned somewhere else - please link if it is

i'm trying to install a mini pci-e card in the mini pci-e slot in an acer aspire one d250
the card is a sierra wireless ms8781 wwan car
if simply isn't being detected, either in windows or linux

the port i'm installing it in is underneath the netbook over near the audio ports and left-hand usb under a removable 'door'
months ago i tried installing a bluetooth card in the same port, didn't detect, thought it was the card
now i'm thinking the port is screwed? any ideas?

is it my understanding this netbook has two pci-e ports? there's another one hidden somewhere?
i've read a few posts suggesting this but can't get a clear explanation
also, i've read posts that suggest the port i've mentioned above is not a "real" or "complete" pci-e port
what is meant by this?

any help is greatly appreciated!

 

You need to tape, or "insulate" pin 20 on the mPCI-E card for the computer to recognise it.

 

thank you for that quick reply!

so my next question is, where does the sim card go?
there's no obvious sim slot on the 3g wireless card
i've read some people talk of a sim slot behind the battery
but i can't see anything like that
do i have to install a sim card slot behind the battery?

i know this may sound like a stupid question, but i honestly don't know
and i already know it would be easier to use a usb 3g dongle
but i just want to go through the exercise of internal 3g anyway
if for nothing other than increasing my experience

many thanks!

 

i've made a little more progress
i've found that my d250 has the opening in the case for a sim card to be inserted
it was covered by a piece of thick black tape that looked like part of the plastic moulding
but inside the opening there isn't any sort of frame to hold a sim card
so logic assumes there is not "cage" or sim "holder" per say attached to the motherboard
i'm assuming you could get the cage and solder it on
but i found this product:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... K:MEWNX:IT

: which looks like it will make life a whole lot easier
thoughts?

 

Lookup JerryT in the members list and PM him. I did the 3G mod to my D250 a year or so ago and bought my SIM adapter from him.