DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck Metastatic disease at diagnosis OR Persistent, metastatic or recurrent disease following surgery and/or radiotherapy No newly diagnosed nonmetastatic disease Bidimensionally measurable disease Demonstrated progressive disease if only measurable site is within a previous radiotherapy port

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 OR Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT or SGPT no greater than 1.5 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Calcium no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other prior malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or any adequately treated stage I or II cancer that is currently in complete remission No neuropathy sensory greater than grade 1 No history of hypersensitivity reaction to Polysorbate 80

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent biologic therapy Chemotherapy: No prior carboplatin or cisplatin No prior chemotherapy for recurrent disease No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy (except oral contraceptives or treatment for osteoporosis) Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 28 days since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 28 days since prior surgery and recovered