Here's your Boeing driver in complete sympathy.
Was the VOR in the Route? I'm only an observer of things Airbus, but FMC/FMGCs have similar rules. Boeing won't let you hold at a point that isn't on the route. Normally folks plug the holding fix into the box and go direct first, then build the hold.
If I'm telling you how to suck eggs, my apologies, but I've seen people forget that basic after years of not having encountered the situation; embarrassing on a ride.
ciao
madmark