Yes, you need the cardreset patch without the adapter. CardPatch is not required, just recommended.
If the gayle is damaged, i don't think that you will be able to access devices attached to the IDE port...
Therefore, it is more likely a dead card.
I also get this error message, but very rarely. When this occurs, i do a reset and the card becomes recognized again. In my case i think that my PSU causes the problem.
What about those 4 small chips located right next to the PCMCIA port? Anyone knowns what is their function?