Can't bootload ATMEGA328P-PU

Have you had any experience prior at getting the MKII programmer with uploading the bootloader? I have been failing all week at it (some great people have tried to help with no avail on another thread) and I was curious if you had worked with this before you started using the MKII. Also, I am considering buying the MKII and wanted to know if there was a specific way you changed the speed of it? Thanks, this thread was very informative.