OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of flavopiridol when administered in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin in patients with refractory adult solid tumors. II. Investigate the clinical pharmacokinetics of intravenous flavopiridol when administered in combination with paclitaxel in these patients. III. Obtain preliminary data on the therapeutic activity of flavopiridol when administered in combination with paclitaxel in these patients. IV. Evaluate surrogate markers of activity such as inhibition of PKC or CDK1 in these patients.