Cyclone III EP3C25F324 starter development board

apperently it's a problem of locating the USB-Blaster though it's properly Installed because of your QuartusII version as mentioned here "http://www.altera.com/support/kdb/solutions/rd10312012_472.html"

I think the way to fix it is to follow the instructions in the Link above or Install an other version of Quartus II

I my self, have the same board as you but the QuartusII 13.0.1 web edition and it works properly. I suggest you try that.

-As for Tips on how to program with Cyclone III, you should check out some tutorials to help you start programming and spend some time designing your system on paper before implementing it in HDL (VHSIC or Verilog) in order to reduce errors and know how to debug it later when compilation is not successful.

-Dividing your system into smaller sub-systems( Blocks) should allow you to easely acheive your goal and reduce the compilation time.

-Make sure your code is synthesizable ( can be transformed to an RTL schema ) in order to download it to the Board otherwise it won't work ( don't use infinit loops or wait statements ....).

-Finally be carefull when assigning pins to your system because assigning a higher voltage than needed may harm the board and to make sure every thing is ok, you should check out Cyclone III EP3C25F324 manual.

regards, Luggi