under 32-bit ubuntu 8.10 with the same kernel 2.6.27-11-generic and the same version of alsa-*: 1.0.17-0ubuntu1, everything works fine both with cold boot + hdsploader and winxp -> reboot-> no hdsploader.
It works fine with 64 bit linux, I have pure 64 bit machines and all hdsp(e) cards work as they should. Must be something else then.
Which distribution/kernel(s) do you use?
I just revived my 64-bit Gentoo partition, and vanilla 2.6.28.2 says No Multiface or Digiface found, disabling the card.
i have the same issue with my hdsp on a 64-bit kernel, using the standard firmware (whatever is shipped with alsa). once i tried to debug this issue, finding, that the card actually has the register value that the card is not connected, although it is.
usually, unloading/reloading the kernel module should resolve it, though. maybe the hardware is not initialized correctly? are there some more detailed information about the hdsp hardware available or did the developers of the kernel module receive some specification under nda restrictions?
tim