Take a look at this link:
How to Wire a 4 Way Switch
It sounds like someone did not use the correct switches or wired them in the wrong positions. From the link,
"If you don't have the right switches you need to get the right switches rather than trying for hours to somehow make it work. I only say that because I've seen people try to figure out ways to make it work, using the wrong switches, and they end up with switches that have to be in certain positions for other switches to work and it's a huge mess to straighten out."