"Writing error" and "communication timeout" PIC16F877a bootloader

Hi,

I am working to get the Shane Tolmie v9.30 bootloader (pic downloader 1.08) working with my PIC 16F877A @ 20MHz on my PCB board and I am encountering some strange problems. When I try to write the program I get `writing error` and sometimes ``communication timeout error``. I am sure there is no problem with the either the PIC16f877a or the max232 because I tested the chip in breadboard with the same schematic as my PCB and it was perfectly fine.
http://www.microchipc.com/PIC16bootload/

Has anyone encountered this problem before or know the solution?
Thank you for your help