Podge,

1. Add 1k resistors to RS,R/W and E lines.
2. Check the timing with an oscilloscope of the above mentioned lines with respect to each other and the data lines. Make sure that the timing relationships match up with the timing diagrams that of the LCD data sheets.
3. If after these two steps, you are still unable to write a message to the display, it may be time to try another LCD module.


Good Luck,

Jacob