./configure returns C++ compiler cannot create executables

[rcshah]

I'm very new to Linux and am trying to install a program from source.

When I type ./configure --prefix/<path>
the output says:
checking for C++ compiler default output file name... configure: error: C++ compiler cannot create executables
See `config.log' for more details.

I have tried this using sudo ./configure ... but receive the same error. Typing gcc -v I get that the version is 4.3.2.

I've found some related threads but no clear solution so I thought I would try posting this again.

Awaiting help...

[oldos2er]

You need to install the package build-essential

[rcshah]

Thanks!