OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose, dose limiting toxicity, recommended phase II dose, and safety of BMS-214662 in patients with advanced solid tumors. II. Determine the pharmacokinetics of BMS-214662 in these patients. III. Assess the absolute oral bioavailability of BMS-214662 using a capsule and single intravenous dose in these patients. IV. Determine any preliminary evidence of antitumor activity of BMS-214662 in these patients.