bootloader question

Hi, I recently built a parallel port cable to program my arduino atmega8. The bootloader upload went well... I think. There were no errors but when I tried to upload a simple led blink program the rx and tx lights flashed like it was uploading but the program never ran. I know the led isnt bad because when I start up the board the led flashes very quickly. this means that the bootloader is working so why wont the program upload? thanks, nik

What message did you get on the computer? What program were you using to upload the program?

I have used the command line and the arduino software for linux and windows. According to the computer the program was uploaded fine. any ides?