cannot write to PIC

[Archangel]

Hello,
I am using a PIC16F877A on a custom board. the issue i am having is that it seems that when i compile code and load it .. everything is fine and its all successful even the verify. but when i read the chip its empty. and blank check confirms that the device is empty. when i try to switch to a different pic it states target device does not match selected device. so it definitely sees my target device, so i do have communication, supposedly.

any suggestions?
Is there a config file i have to set?

Thanks

Maybe, or not. I have seen this using a JDM style programmer when the wrong COM port is selected, as for it definately seeing the target, maybe not, if it is compiled for 1 chip and a different one is selected, then maybe just the software is throwing the error.
What programmer and or software are you using? ICSP ? Addendum: The JDM programmers have a jumper you MUST move to do the larger 16F series, as opposed to say a 16F648A.