I replace my old fixture will a new one, because it wasn't working. the metal box does have this metal cable coming from the back. I notice when I connects the wires(white to white and black to black) nothing happens. but if I connects the white wire to a screw or something metal the light comes on. Indicating a bad ground. how can I correct this problem?

you have an open neutral.

Definitely an open neutral.

Judging from your post, you should call an electrician to troubleshoot this problem.

Whatever you do, do not operate the light fixture by connecting the white wire to the metal box.

the problem was a open neutral is the switch box located in my upstair lighting. This is an old house built in the 1930's