This can be done, but it is necessary to rebuild the same….
U will need to install madwifi hal and check with modinfo ath_hal, then blacklist ath5k
First look for these, kernel Source package; kernel Syms package; gcc and make, if not
now as root pass the following commands on terminal / xterm !
yast2 –install kernel-source kernel-syms gcc make
Now open YaST2 and search for MADWIFI, if it is not there, navigate Here to download the tar file (source) and install it. This should rebuild Madwifi from the source and save them at /usr/src/packages/
Connect computer to an ethernet source rather usb, but ethernet….
For blacklist ath5k, now do this, first need to blacklist ath5k open terminal and do this as root and pass commands: echo “blacklist ath5k” >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist
Here update latest Networkmanager patch by supply this command :
yast2 –install knetworkmanager
After reboot, open yast2 > Network Devices > Network Settings > on ‘Global options’ tab make uncheck the “user controlled with networkmanager” option under Network Setup.
and delete any old wireless entry.
NOTES: To confirm that edit it and click on the hardware tab. The old one has the module name of ath5k. Now edit the new connection with the ath_pci module. Define all parameters for ur local setup including encryption, DHCP etc. Save and exit. Logout and back into gnome / kde.

Hope it solve ur problem ! please update me on the same discussion.