im programming PIC 16f84a using pic basic pro

i have 8 LEDs conected to the PORTB from 0 to 7...

here is a problem...

READ 0 , b 'on eprom location 0 is $AA

PORTB = b

its not working but this

b = $AA

PORTB = b

is working...

so what can i do to get this way working

READ 0,b
PORTB = B.......