Can't load Mepis from USB CDROM drive

I have had this problem for every Mepis version I have tried. The one and only CDROM drive on my notebook computer is connected to a USB port. The Mepis Live CD will load to the boot screen, as that is controlled by the BIOS. When Mepis takes over to load more of itself, it probes around for a CDROM and it can't find the USB drive.

If this was fixed, I would switch the notebook over from SuSE 10.0 to Mepis, as it is a better fit for a lightweight computer.

BTW, the notebook has no floppy drive, either. It's one of those 3 lb. wonders.

Mike