Usually, if you get any errors, the bootloader won't work. What happens if you try burning the bootloader again? What type of programmer are you using? Is b.hex the bootloader file that came with Arduino?
I am using the bascom "sample programming cable" to program the boot loader
b.hex is the code from the boot folder from arduino 0003
I reloaded it. and didn't get any errors.
After I reset the board the led blinks 8 times and then stops.
But it still gives error "programmer not responding" when i try to upload code.