question regarding stepper motor

ok before I pull my hair out I thought I'd just ask. I ran thru the exercise to test a stepper motor (http://objects.reprap.org/wiki/Testing_RepRap_Electronics#Testing_a_Stepper_Driver ) for the x axis and it works fine. Backwards ..forward no problem. Question is, should this work for the Y and Z axis as well ?? I have no problem with X but when I try the test the Y axis, nothing happens. When I test Z, once if begins to move...it doesn't stop. Is this normal. It seems to me that what works for X should work for Y and Z.

thanks in advance for any info

what electronics are you controlling with?
I suggest something simpler to make sure some of the basics are in working order... like the stepper app that plays the star wars song.

If you are running with reprap type firmware on it:
check that your steps per unit are set properly in the firmware.
also check your opto endstops are installed.
another thing to check is the trim pots and connectors

trade some components out to make sure each thing is good... motor, connectors, driver, to narrow things down. NEVER disconnect anything with the power on, you WILL fry something.