So I have not found an actual fix for the missing vertices problem, but atleast an alternative of sorts.
Customize > prefs > viewport tab > uncheck show vertices as dots
This changes them to target crosshair type, but they can now be seen so it's better than nothing. If anyone encounters this problem and finds a fix I'd love to hear about it, I want my dots back lol
I should have noted this in the orig post...
3DS Max 2011
Nvidia GeForce GTX 560 Ti
driver - 280.26 win 7 64 bit