That is kind of the catch all error message for poly to subd conversion. It's like the yellow light on your dashboard. That is why the complete error message that is in the script editor would be of more use to us in helping you.
I'd be willing to bet however, if he looks in the script editor he'll find something similar to this...
Error: polyToSubdiv1 (Poly To Subdiv): Cannot create subdivision surface as the resulting surface would have more base mesh faces (40000) than the maximum allowed (1000).
This is the most common error for people just starting out with subd in maya the default base mesh is 1000 and very often that quickly becomes to small.
I agree with you Jay and find subd's in Maya to not be very useful. Their only real appeal is localized detail and creasing both of which go out the window if you should have to convert back to poly for any reason. Also, Maya's creasing options are really limited compared to more modern programs designed to model in subd mode rather then having the feature poorly bolted on so they can claim Maya is a subd modeler.
As for me they really need to fix both subd and nurbs in Maya. You can all guess which would be my preference (smile).
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Isaac Newton, 1675
Last edited by ctbram; 12-04-2012 at 11:38 PM.