DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic or recurrent solid tumor that has failed standard therapy or for which no standard therapy exists No known brain metastases or carcinomatosis meningitis

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times normal AST no greater than 2.5 times normal Renal: Creatinine normal OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Calcium no greater than 12 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No symptomatic congestive heart failure No unstable angina pectoris No cardiac arrhythmia Other: No evidence of neuropathy No history of allergies to platinum compounds or antiemetics that would preclude study No other uncontrolled illness (e.g., ongoing or active infection) No medical, social, or psychological factors that would preclude study Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy and recovered Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for mitomycin and nitrosoureas) and recovered Prior fluorouracil or cisplatin allowed Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: Recovered from prior surgery Other: At least 30 days since prior investigational drugs No concurrent antiretroviral therapy (HAART)