This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of R-(-)-gossypol acetic acid when given together with cisplatin and etoposide in treating patients with advanced solid tumors or extensive stage small cell lung cancer. R-(-)-gossypol acetic acid may stop the growth of cancer by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin and etoposide, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving R-(-)-gossypol acetic acid together with combination chemotherapy may help kill more tumor cells.