As locustfurnace indicates, we need a lot more information before we can start diagnosing the problem.

First things first. Which OS are you using? Please post the output of uname -a.

Also; are you using CUPS or LPR(ing)?
run ps -ef | egrep 'cupsd|lpd' - what's the output?

If you're using Linux or one of the *BSDs, check out http://www.linuxprinting.org/ - is your Dell printer listed? Is it a USB or Parallel printer? If it's parallel did you try ls > /dev/lp0 as locustfurnace suggested?

More information please.

Cheers
ZB