cannot print

[Timothy Van Meir]

I'm not sure if this is an Ubuntu problem or just a linux problem. 
Sending print jobs to my printer seems to have no effect -- nothing
prints, and the printer shows no signs of activity.  The printer in
question is an HP PSC 950 attached via USB.

I have installed the relevant drivers, and the printer shows up in the
Printers window that opens when you go to System Configuration ->
Printing.  However, I have noticed something odd when I examine the
printer's properties.  When I go to the "connection" tab, I see that
there are two options in the bottom half of the window: "use a
detected printer," or "use another printer by specifying the port." 
The latter is checked, and the printer port is listed is "parallel
port #1."  (Note that my printer does show up as a detected printer
under the first option, even though it's not checked).

This appears to be an incorrect setting.  However, if I try to change
this, either by selecting "use a detected printer," or by selecting
USB#1 under the second option, the change does not seem to save.  If I
close the properties dialog and open it again, then I'm back where I
started: the "use another printer" option is selected, and the port is
"parallel port #1."

I've also tried changing the selection and then printing a test page
without closing the properties dialog.  However, this was unsuccessful
as well.

Any suggestions?