I have solved the problem finally with your help and googling around.
I followed this guide and flashed from a dos prompt - which is found in the windows/start/accessories folder in win 7.
I downloaded all the files needed, stuck them all in one folder, and patiently deleted all the old drivers relating to any phone, tablet, google, or the like.
Installed new drivers, verified they worked, figured out when fastboot would connect on the Nexus recovery menu and so on.
It took a while - but I manged to get it all right the first shot.

Installed 6.01 and I am back in business.
Marshmallow sure is nice on this tablet.
Now, I am waiting for a stable method of rooting to come around
Here's the guide I religiously followed.
remove the under scores I have inserted in the link to follow it.
https:__//drive.google.__com/file/d/0Bz6x7k-VkpUJU09paVM5cmh2Xzg/view?pref=2&pli=1
here's a screen shot of my flash folder

I hope this helps some one else.