avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

I am trying to upload the blink program to the arduino lilypad simple but keep getting the error

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

The FTDI i am using is the C232HM-DDHSL-0 cable and im wondering if this may be the issue.
The datasheet is below
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_C232HM_MPSSE_CABLE.PDF

I have made sure that the board is set to lilypad arduino as there is no option for lilypad arduino simple, but i assume they are the same and i have also made sure the com port is correct.