16f688 lcd connection

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Hello emerson,
put the word code inside brackets [xxxx] and close with / code inside brackets [/xxxx] to enclose your code in a box. Check your contrast setting, I almost always just ground that pin, check your wiring for proper hookup AND for good connection. As I have not looked at the chips data sheet, check to be sure you have turned off ALL analog functions on the lcd's pins . . . are you sure ? Is your led flashing ? have you used bypass caps on the power at the PIC and LED ? Black boxes tell you LCD is alive more or less,so if led is flashing then so is PIC if not check your crystal and power connections first. A big ALSO, what config fuses are you using? The default ones? What are they ? Is the MCLR enabled ? do you have it pulled high ?
A good time to add DEFINE OSC xx where xx is your selected value.
Read and understand these threads please:
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=543
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=561
They will reduce your headache pain considerably, (caused by pulling hair) and with some luck you will keep more than I did . . .
hair that is . . .
Many Many people ask WHY the authors of PIC books suggest the 16f84 chip, and I can answer that, it is because it has almost nothing to set up to get it to work, so beginners do not get frustrated so early on, your chip does have plenty of nice features which make getting started a bit more challenging, BUT you came to the right forum to get some help too.
Hang in there, you are getting it.