Google recently pushed the new google maps, but you can retrun to the old version (and remember). However, X-notifier will prevent this setting to work.
To repo this problem, first you need to install x-notifier, and set up a gmail account and don't modify any default settings (because I only repo'd the problem with default setttings).
After that, open google maps: http://maps.google.com/
If it showes the new google maps, click the right bottom question mark, and select "Return to classasic google maps".