LMS cannot connect to Intel(R) MEI driver

I started getting this warning along with a yellow exclamation mark next to System Device > Intel Mgmt Engine Interface in Device Manager..

Here is the log entry from Event Viewer:

Log Name:      Application
Source:        LMS
Date:          10/31/2013 11:41:04 AM
Event ID:      2001
Task Category: LMS
Level:         Warning
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:

Description:
LMS cannot connect to Intel(R) MEI driver

Here is the info from Device Manager

This device cannot start. (Code 10)
An invalid parameter was passed to a service or function.

I had this problem before and was able to fix it by uninstalling MEI from Control Panel and then reinstalling. But it seems to be a recurring problem. this is a fresh installation using the built-in Windows Defender antivirus.

System Details:

Driver version: 9.5.10.1658

OS: Windows 8.1

Motherboard: Asus Z87-Pro

Processor: i7-4770K

Graphics: onboard intel 4600

Any suggestions would be appreciated.