error when trying to change permissions

i'm trying to change permissions on the files and folders needed to upgrade zencart. i'm using filezilla but each time i change the permissions i get this error:
Command: SITE CHMOD 777 pub
Response: 504 Command not implemented for that parameter

can anyone help please?

This can be because your host has configured the server NOT to accept CHMOD instructions via FTP.

You will have to log into your host account C-Panel (or equivalent) and change the permissions on the file manager of your host C-Panel.

If you don't have C-Panel (or equivalent), you may need to ask your host to change the permissions, or tell you how you can do it yourself.

A 504 error is also a "lost connectivity with server" error. So try this again a bit later...

i think i have to ask the network admin for that kind of help. after turning on the permissions for me to accept the instructions you think i can modify from the ftp area? the admin will want to keep changed to a minimum in case anything happened (like i kill the site).