groundFungus:
How are you resetting the chip during upload?
I hope you are referring to pressing the reset button on the Arduino uploader board, right before upload? That is with Reset connected to chip pin1. If not, my ignorance is exposed... :o
But, Googling "reset during upload", I stumbled onto this page:
Troubleshooting your BOARD, it mentions that the power-LED on the board should flash when plugging/unplugging USB. Mine doesn't, just instant on. Should it flash when Arduino is connected as uploader to chip on breadboard?
Also, it mentions that RX and TX LEDs should flash while uploading. Mine stays dead.
Just to confirm: this is a different and "good" Arduino Uno.
Thank you for your time!