When ever THat happens to me, here is what I do, I select the object, and I go to Edit Polys, Normals, ans Soften Harden Normals. Usually the 30 works well. If that dosen't work, I would assume that It was a geometry Problem. Good luck, I am allways having to Soften Harden Edges, its really usefull when you want to show off a hard edge, or give the illusion that it is more smooth when you soften it. THats my 2 cents. THanks,
Brian


I would also try this, Select the object, go to your mere verticies option, Make sure it is like on .001, hit apply. Then go and try to Soften Harden edges. Hope this helps.