Postmaster hangs until Ctrl-C

When I run postmaster, the system hangs until I Ctrl-C.
 
Postgresql 6.4 was installed at the factory by the manufacturer (VA Linux) with root ownership and permissions. I read the FAQ and Admin manual re installation. There was no postgres user although VA did create a postgres group. I created a postgres user, changed ownership on as many directories as I can find with postgresql files, and I edited the pg_hba.conf file to reflect the instructions in the Admin install manual. It doesn't matter whether I su - postgres to start postmaster or not -- it still hangs. Apparently I've missed something. 

Tom