OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of L-778,123 when combined with paclitaxel in patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors or lymphomas. II. Evaluate the safety, tolerability, and dose limiting toxicity of this regimen in these patients. III. Assess steady state plasma concentrations of various doses of L-778,123 combined with paclitaxel in these patients. IV. Evaluate radiologic or tumor marker responses to this regimen in these patients. V. Evaluate the relationship between ras mutations and response to this regimen in these patients.