PB needs to have the PnkBstrA & PnkBstrB, Try this resolution and see if it works for you:

a) Download this file here from EvenBalance: http://www.evenbalance. com/downloads/pbsvc/pbsvc.exe
b) Save it to your desktop, because we need to run it twice
c) Run the file, select Uninstall & follow the instructions
d) Run it again, and select Install this time (should be the only option)
e) After install, to to (Windows XP) Start - > Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management
f) Click on "Services and Applications"
g) In the right Window Pane, double- click "Services" (alternatively you can click the + sign beside Services and Applications and click "Services")
h) In the right Window Pane find PnkBstrA & PnkBstrB
i) Right-click PnkBstrA and Select Properties
j) Ensure that "Startup Type" is set to "Automatic" (if you changed it hit apply)
k) Now, if not already started, click the "Start" button.
l) Click OK
m) repeat steps i through l for PnkBstrB
n) Plug in your BF2142 CD and start killing

PB v1.7+ requires PnkBstrA / PnkBstrB services to be running.