problem with a fluorescent fixture

It would appear the fixture is not properly grounded. Your description was very good, in that you said all the magic things. Make sure the metal part of the fixture is truly grounded to the electrical ground (not neutral) and all should be right with the world.

Most likely the fixture is not grounded. Another, less likely possible explanation is hot-neutral reverse. These things affect electric field distribution within a bulb that is trying to start.

Other less likely possibilities - try cleaning the bulbs, make sure the ballast label says it is compatible with your bulbs, make sure the ballast is wired properly.

If the fixture has a starter and you tried everything else, try replacing the starter - preferably with one of a different brand. Some cranky starters need light (photoelectric effect) to start. After that, try a different brand of bulbs, preferably of the "Big 3" brands - Sylvania, Philips or GE.

- Don Klipstein ( snipped-for-privacy@misty.com,

If you are not comfortable with this stuff, do hire a professional to do it.

The fixture should have three wires coming to it. One white, one black (or red) and one green or bare copper. That green/copper wire should be firmly secured to the metal parts of the fixture. There is likely a green screw on the fixture where the wires come in to secure the ground to.

Do you have an ex-wife handy? They can make excellent grounds.