Problem uploading to lilypad-error: avrdude: stk500_getsync

My wife and I are trying to make Leah’s turn signal bike jacket.

I’ve compiled Leah’s blink test program and i try to upload it to the lilypad, I’m running into the following error:

avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00

I’ve read as many of the threads mentioning this error as I can find and have tried all of the applicable ideas from ladyada, with no luck.

Here are the details:

Running Arduino 0012

USB to lilypad usb link to lilypad main board

Lilypad board appears to be continuously resetting; it is constantly going through the blinking light cycle.

Manual reset appears to work, it interrupts and restarts the blinking light cycle.

I’ve tried it on a couple of computers (both running XP SP3)

Tried every combination of resetting and hitting the upload button (including one poster’s suggestion of hitting reset both before and after hitting upload)

Tried every serial port.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks!