I cannot compile neither default kernel 2.2.16 nor new 2.2.17 - gcc shows an error in the middle of compiling. This bug was found by many independent users.
Use kgcc instead, the kernel unfortunetly uses what gcc 2.96 thinks is bad syntax. kgcc is installed as part of 'kernel devleopment' (see long discussion/flamming on linux-kernel)
Also, if you're building in the installed source tree, you need to run 'make mrproper' first.