Old analog guy needs help with PIC16F57

[Bruce]

When you do a read, what do you get on your configuration?

0ffa, which is correct.

Have you tried another resonator or crystal?

You might also try XT OSC - just in case you're over-driving the one you have.

I use resonators for pretty much everything, and have never had a single problem
with one, but I've never used the type you're using.

Trying a different resonator or crystal could save you a lot of work.

And if you're using a bread board it wouldn't hurt to meter every single connection.

[yankee]

Different resonators brought the IC to life.

~ Dave