Problems with Codeigniter HMVC on Linux Mint

I seem to have trouble with hmvc when ever I start a new project. I follow the instructions to do the install of hmvc and I start with a clean or new codeigniter install but I always get  a 404 error page not found on this server. I have even copied a working codeigniter hmvc that was working but when I transfer to another Linux machine I get the same problem. I do not know if I have problem with permissions or something like that on Linux or if it is a codeigniter hmvc routing problem. i sure gets frustrating every time I start a new HMVC and I run into this problem. All thoughts and help greatly appreciated.