Question about serial ports

Some good info but not enough detail.

Copy and paste the specific error and use CODE TAGS to post it ( </> )

Does it need a board specific package installed first ?

It looks also like you need to install FTDI drivers.
They are in the IDE installation folder in a subfolder called DRIVERS.

Also according to the web site you have to be specific about the clock frequency of 8 Mhz when setting it in the IDE before programming.

I presume you read this page

Setting up boards is not always as plug and play as we would like them.