i run the applet but all i get is a message saying that the applet has started but it doesnt run

import java.applet.*;
import java.awt.*;
/*

<applet code="AppletParameters" width = 300 height=300>
<param name="background" value="0xffffff">
<param name="foreground" value="0x000000">
<param name="message" value="Testing Applet
  Parameters">
  </applet>

*/

public class AppletParameters extends Applet {

    public void paint(Graphics g) {
        String background = getParameter("background");
        String foreground = getParameter("foreground");
        String message = getParameter("message");
        setBackground(Color.decode(background));
        setForeground(Color.decode(foreground));
        Font font = getFont();
        FontMetrics fm = getFontMetrics(font);
        Dimension d = getSize();
        int x = (d.width - fm.stringWidth(message))/2;
        int y = d.height/2;
        g.drawString(message, x, y);
    }
}