Maxtor drives are okay but don't do weird things with them involving the security features. I've managed to some how totally and permanently it seems lock the drive to 9MB.

Have you tried the "qunlock" utility (no link I'm afraid, but it's referenced and available at one of the TiVo upgrade sites).

Maxtor & Quantum drives have a nasty habit of locking themselves up at that very storage limit when you're trying upgrade your Tivo with them, what you have seems exactly the same. Do a search for qunlock If you have no joy PM me & I'll dig out my copy.

Cheers, Sim