This stupid forum won't let me reply to my own discussion!!
I did the "forget/re-connect" thing and within 10 seconds, the "couldn't sign in" message for my google account came right back.
I went to the Verizon store yesterday for help and it stayed connected on their WiFi, so nothing could be resolved. I guess the Droid Maxx just doesn't like my linksys WiFi at home. My Droid 4 did, my husband's Samsung does and our laptops do all connect just fine.
I recovered my google account on the laptop, changed the password, nothing helps. It has to be something with the newer Android version on this phone.
I only can use WiFi at home since I have no 3G/4G service here. What a waste of money this phone was for me.