Client side COM and Python Problem

[Mark]

Hey Guys, Im new to working with com but i only want to do one thing.

I have activestate python and am trying to get python to run a simple 
function in a com enabled 3d program called 3dsmax.  If i try and 
execute a function over the com interface it works fine as long as i 
dont try and run the function with an argument. when i run it with an 
argument like so. "o.mypingmax("test string")" it gives me an error in 
my client app and an error in python.

please help me understand this error and what i am doing wrong?  I have 
tried a similar script in another language and it works.  but python 
does not like it.

#code
import win32com.client
o = win32com.client.Dispatch("MAX.Application.8")
o.mypingmax("test string")

# Python Error

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<interactive input>", line 1, in ?
  File "C:\Python24\lib\site-packages\win32com\client\dynamic.py", line 
491, in __getattr__
    raise pythoncom.com_error, details
com_error: (-2147220992, 'CONNECT_E_NOCONNECTION', None, None)

#client Application error (3dsmax script output)

-- Argument count error: mypingmax wanted 1, got 0
   during OLE automation function call

Sorry if its blindingly obvious but i just cant work out what is going on.

Cheers,

Mark