delays can make things 'run' ,
ghostnotes, i.e. ghostsnares (hardly audible sounds) can
make the difference between a flat and a driving groove.

definetely try using quite a few different snares or similar to get a driving groove!!!

a little verb can open up things as well.

u could also make use of perc-loops from cds etc. (conga/bongo/whatever), which you can put underneath your main groove. even subtle use can really make a hell of a lot of a difference.

hope this helps