[newbie] c compiler doesnt work!

[pete moss]

i am trying to install some new software by compiling source.  when i
run the configure script that comes with the source, it checks for
several things.  one of the things it checks for is whether i have gcc,
then it says ok.  next it says 'checking whether c compiler works....no'
then it wont continue compilation.  is there more configuration that
needs to happen for (p)gcc to work?  i am trying to run it 'out of the
box'.

:P