Cisco Catalyst 3012s connected to Cisco Catalyst 4948E-F

[macrules34]

I'm having some trouble configuring my IBM BladeCenter S network modules. The modules are Cisco Catalyst 3012 switches (16 internal ports and 4 external port). I'm having trouble enabling the 4 external ports so I can connect them to my core switch (Cisco Catalyst 4948E-F). I have tried doing the no shutdown command (under the command line and console) but it gives me an error "Shutdown not allowed on this interface". I have tried going through the GUI via the web and when I tick the enable box next to them and click the submit button, it refreshes and they are un-ticked.

Any ideas?

 

[macrules34]

I figured out the issue. There was a drop down that would enable or disable external ports for each module. Once I changed it to enable I was able to bring the ports up and online.