This is one thing you can do.
on my project I got all the buttons in movie instance and when you double clock on it, it looks like this.

All you do is write AS on HOME button that triggers on LINKS… for exmple,
HOME_mc.onRollOver = function() {
LINKS_mc.gotoAndPlay("_over");
}
HOME_mc.onRollOut = function() {
LINKS_mc.gotoAndPlay("_out");
}
what will happen is that when user moves mouse over home it will chance color (or any other animation you want) on to links button. Take a look at the FLA file I have attached. [Notice when you move mouse over Contact Us effect happens on “Notice Board” button]