Airbag light

hi! a couple of weeks ago the airbag light came on my 2002 mini. I checked the fuse, and replaced it (5A) although it didn't look burned but the light still stays on when the car runs (actually the light goes out for a split second as soon as the engine starts, then comes on and stays on). Any suggestions anybody? will the airbags still work? thanks!

On most vehicles, the airbag light should come on for @6 seconds, and then go off if the system is working properly. If there is a fault or a problem in the system, the light will remain illuminated, or flash continuously. When the light is on, the airbag will NOT deploy, even in an accident. These systems can only be diagnosed using a scanner designed for the airbag system. The scanners at Auto Zone or the ones that sell for @ $50 will not access the airbag system, only the engine systems (check engine light).
Check out these websites for more info on airbag system.
http://blog.airbagsolutions.com/archive/2007/11/18/why-is-my-airbag-light-on.what-should-i-do.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/resources.aspx (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/resources.aspx)
http://blog.airbagsolutions.com/