I´m having problems with the MAX1044 as well, (24v charge pump).
First one died, (don´t know why as my power supply never goes above 8.97v), second one started to produce a terrible whine, after a while, if got near the in/out jack shockets, (at about 10cms away the whine dissapeared though..).
Third one is working properly...
Until now... (fingers crossed)