UCS-4001 on TWO brand new key?

[Believe in Blue]

I bought my Final Fantasy XI Online the first year it came out, which is about 5 years ago. I didn't have a good enough computer for it back then, but recently I just purchased a new computer. So I decided to finally open, and install the game.

After I install PlayOnline Viewer, it asked me for my "PlayOnline registration code", which is found on the back of one of the manuals. Whenever I enter my code, it gives me:

"UCS-4001
Invalid registration code.
Please check your registration code and try again"


I asked a friend who recently bought a copy of this about 1 month ago, and he gave me his unused registration code, but it said the same thing. Both of us has NEVER installed this game, and we DO NOT have a content ID or whatever it's called.

So, what the f**k is going on here?

Will PlayOnline issue me a new registration key if I called them and tell them what is going on? I mean, two brand new keys and they BOTH don't work? ....seriously. I'm going to throw a b**ch fit on the phone if they don't do something about it! GRRRRRR

[Jarre]

Did you and your friend buy these second hand? also its case sensitive and did you check it exactly and make sure it is the right code as my pack has 3 of them for the different expansions.

[Believe in Blue]

Did you and your friend buy these second hand? also its case sensitive and did you check it exactly and make sure it is the right code as my pack has 3 of them for the different expansions.

Both games were 100% brand new and sealed. I got mine the first week it came out, back when it cost $69.99 at EBGames. My friend has the 2007 collection and was also brand new. The code is all in caps, with numbers.
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Well, I called the customer support today and all I got was "It is possible that the place of purchase put a return copy of the game back on the shelf. If we find this is the case, you will need to return the game to the retailer if possible to get a new one and tell them the registration code has already been used."

So I just lost $30, and no way in hell am I going to buy another copy. No thanks, Square.