64-bit and 32-bit conflict

I'm struggling to install the CERN library on my 64-bit laptop. I have been told by two people here who have already tried that they eventually gave up and had to replace the operating system in order to install the CERN library on a 32-bit machine. They told me all the errors I'm getting might as well be caused by my 64-bit laptop. Since the source code is available, I wonder IF it is possible to compile on a 64-bit machine. Maybe I'm missing the point. What are the issues at compiling source code for 32- versus 64-bit architectures ? Thank you in advance. Maura