Could it be something like the Max is being detected as another device? I know that happened with a Controller I once connected. I had to tell Windows that no, the device wasn't what it insisted that it was, it was in fact something else. Via the scan for new devices, or maybe update drivers. Unfortunately, I can't remember.
Another thing, less likely to help: do you have an alternate OS? Linux, BSD or Apple? If not, you could try getting a live cd like Knoppix (though you should perhaps do a quick search for livecd linux adb to see if there are any that have adb installed.
Dunno if either helps, or gives food for thought.
|