Error reading next value of sequence from database

I am facing the below error when I am trying to access database sequence through 'Add Sequence' step. I have tested the DB connection and connection type (MS SQL Server) and access (Native(JDBC)) and everything is correct. I can fetch the next value of sequence directly in database. But Kettle is throwing the below error.

2014/11/14 16:16:21 - Add sequence[itemv].0 - ERROR (version 4.4.3-GA from 2014/11/14 10:33:52.022) : Because of an error, this step can't continue:
2014/11/14 16:16:21 - Add sequence[itemv].0 - ERROR (version 4.4.3-GA from 2014/11/14 10:33:52.022) : Error reading next value of sequence [item_seq1] from database
2014/11/14 16:16:21 - Add sequence[itemv].0 - ERROR (version 4.4.3-GA from 2014/11/14 10:33:52.022) :
2014/11/14 16:16:21 - Add sequence[itemv].0 - ERROR (version 4.4.3-GA from 2014/11/14 10:33:52.022) : Unable to get next value for sequence : item_seq1
2014/11/14 16:16:21 - Add sequence[itemv].0 - ERROR (version 4.4.3-GA from 2014/11/14 10:33:52.022) : The SQL statement must not be null or empty.


I have gone through the forum and I did not find any solutoion. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.