Hello JeeBee,
When you compiled the new kernel a file named .config should have been stored in your source directory. Check if CONFIG_SND_HDA_INTEL is enabled in your kernel configuration. Type
$ cat .config | grep CONFIG_SND_HDA_INTEL
It may be that the /etc/modprobe.d/sound file is important for your card. What does it read? It could probably be left alone unless it is causing problems. Where is your alsaconf located?