Paclitaxel + Carboplatin With/ut BMS-275291 in Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Local or metastatic failure after surgery and/or radiotherapy allowed Phase II only: At least one measurable lesion At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR 10 mm by spiral CT scan No known CNS metastases unless asymptomatic and at least 4 weeks since prior corticosteroid therapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) ALT no greater than 2 times ULN (5 times ULN for liver metastases) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No significant cardiac disease No uncontrolled high blood pressure, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, second or third degree atrioventricular conduction defects, or ventricular arrhythmias requiring medication No myocardial infarction within the past year Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No prior allergic reaction to drugs containing Cremophor EL No serious active infection or other underlying medical condition that would preclude study participation No peripheral neuropathy No condition (e.g., psychological, geographical) that would preclude study participation No prior breast cancer or melanoma No other prior malignancy within the past 5 years except carcinoma in situ, basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, or other cancer that has been curatively treated surgically PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior immunotherapy No prior biological response modifiers No other concurrent biologic therapy or immunotherapy Chemotherapy: No prior antineoplastic chemotherapy, including intrapleural chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior radiotherapy to study lesion (unless evidence of disease progression) or to 30% or greater of marrow bearing bones At least 1 week since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 2 weeks since prior major surgery No concurrent surgery Other: At least 2 weeks since prior investigational drugs No other concurrent cytotoxic anticancer therapy No other investigational drugs during and for 30 days after study