Netgear 3500LV2: Can't login after updating firmware

I've tried the 30 30 30 method several times, I tried the telnet way via putty (opened my 192.168.1.1, typed in the nvram commands: nvram get http_username, then nvram get http_password, also tried nvram get http_passwd instead of password, no dice. I have internet access, but I can't access the router to do any configurations, including reflashing the firmware. Hope someone can help. This is weird.

P.S. Also typed in Windows Telnet
nvram set http_username=admin
nvram set...

Netgear 3500LV2: Can't login after updating firmware