OK sorry but I'm just smart enough at php to be dangerous.I looked at the code and I have the exact same code as you posted:
$banner_box_group= SHOW_BANNERS_GROUP_SET8;

So What I did was tried the Sashbox banner in the the banner_box3 sidebox.Maybe this was the wrong banner to try?What I am ultimately looking for is a side box to add links to.Like I have in my sponsors box.
Maybe I just answered my own question here,I am not for sure,but with me actually wanting just to add links would it be better to copy the sponsors box and try that?Thanks for all the help you advise and offer,I appreciate the help.