Hello,
Adobe Flash Player is required to configure a map in Esri Maps Designer. Try installing the Adobe Flash Player plug-in for the browser you are using.
If you have Internet Explorer Enhanced Security enabled, make sure that the appropriate configurations are made to allow access to Cognos and Esri Maps Designer. If you think that your IE security configuration may be causing the problem, test your access to Esri Maps Designer using a different browser.
I hope that helps,
Frances