Test on another server to see if it works there. If it does, it means the cgi.tripod.com server doesn't allow cookies to be read by CGI programs. Some free CGI hosts are more fascist than is necessary to have your program run on time.
You could try Prohosting.com, which I'm pretty sure still supports cookies, or your own local server, which you can configure however you want. Only if your program worked on either of these servers, and not on the Tripod one, is it Tripod's fault.
Good luck, and don't forget to have some fun!