Mint 12 + hplip 3.11.7 + hp d4360 = blank pages

[TomOfHelatrobus]

installed linux mint 12.
plugged in the printer via usb.
it was recognized for what it was, an hp d4360.
attempted to print a libre office doc but while the printer head moved and the paper was fed though the printer, no ink went on the page - it was totally blank.
attempted a test page - it was blank too although the printer head moved and the paper fed.
searched forum for solve....
discovered I was running hplip 3.11.7 (which is a driver for all hp printers), but a newer version was available.
downloaded the hplip3.12.2.run
opened terminal to install and typed: "cd Downloads" (since the file had downloaded into that folder) and then "sh hplip-3.12.2.run"(to execute)
install failed due to missing dependency - gcc (a complier).
opened mint software center which showed gcc installed.
opened synaptic package manager which also showed gcc installed.
re attempted install of hplip-3.12.2.run which failed for same reason - missing dependency.
searched forum for solve...
no way am i setting up a virtual machine just for printing
searched forum some more for solve...
went to terminal and typed: sudo system-config-printer
entered "password" (not really password)
this opened the configuration for the printer
double click on printer, selected printer options, print quality: normal grayscale.
attempted a test page...
success for black and white printing!
stopping here because I only ever use black and white.

Had the same problem with ubuntu 10.04 and opensuse 12.1. Used same work around for ubuntu 10.04.

any way i can set up the printer/driver so as to be able to print in full color?