simply remove the MCU from the circuit.
then using hyperterminal check the communication.
you will be able to know whether your IC is working or not.
i ma gussing you must be know how to use hyperterminal for serial communication..:|
This would only work if your bridge the 2 pins where the MCU transmit and Receive were.
A simple test is leave the MCU in. Disconnect from the PC. Bridge the Max 232 TX out an RX in pins. If you make the TX pin of the MCU a 1 you should see a 1 on the RX pin, and if you make TX a 0 the RX should also go to 0. If this works it is most likely a MCU setup or coding error.