Ok thanks. It was a couple of columns that werent liking null as a value - that now allows the order details and summary to go into the db fine.
Couple of things that still are an issue.
1. /hairmekanix/shop-product-details_s.php?perm=gift- is being added to the DetailSKU column in the orderdetails table
2. the telephone number is not being passed back from paypal and I know that paypal is set to do this as in the live site is another ecart install and its successfully adding the phone number
cheers
Jamie