Make sure the flourescent bulbs are wired correctly. The white wire on
8' bulbs has to be on the same tube as either the red or blue wire from
the ballast, I forget which. The ballast will show a diagram with the
correct polarity on it. Also make sure the flourescent fixture case is
well grounded. Failure to do so will cause the bulbs to flicker or not
come on to full brightness. One other thing, if it is cold in the
basement, you may have a problem. Most ballasts have a minimum
operating temperature.

Hope this helps.

Stretch