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