DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced solid tumor that is refractory to standard therapy or for which no effective therapy exists No active brain metastases including evidence of cerebral edema by CT or MRI scan, progression from prior imaging study, any requirement for steroids, or clinical symptoms

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL ALT and AST no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months No congestive heart failure (with or without therapy) No history of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias No history of second or third degree heart block No prolonged QTc interval on electrocardiogram Pulmonary: No uncontrolled or significant pulmonary disease Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No serious uncontrolled medical disorder or active infection No dementia or altered mental status No prior or concurrent gastrointestinal disease within past 6 months No history of malabsorption No impaired oral ingestion (e.g., patients with feeding tubes)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks since nitrosoureas or mitomycin) No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent hormonal therapy (except replacement hormone therapy) Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No prior radiotherapy to greater than 25% of the bone marrow No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: No prior surgery that would impact the absorption of BMS-214662 Other: At least 4 weeks since prior investigational agents No other concurrent experimental anticancer medications No prior CYP3A4 substrates within 1 week before, during, and for at least 1 week after study