windows xp activation problems

I recently had to reinstall Windows XP Professional on my computer. I had

lost my product key, so I had to call Microsoft and purchase a replacement

key for $10. During installation I entered the new key, and installation

continued on as normal.

Now comes the time to activate Windows. When I try to activate, I get the

message "Incorrect Product Key". I call Microsoft to activate over the phone

and explain my situation. I get redirected and redirected, then finally

somebody gives me a case number and a new number to call.

I call the number and give the person the case number, he verifies that the

product key is valid, asks me questions about the disc I used to reinstall

windows and confirms that it is an OEM disc (I purchased it from a computer

outlet 2-3 years ago)

He tells me that my option are to

1)call Microsoft tech support and pay a fee of $60 for help on how to fix it

or

2)visit the Microsoft newsgroups or forums and try to get help there.

I tried the forum, and didn't get a response. i do not have $60 to pay tech

support, and even if i did have the money I don't think it's fair that I

should have to pay for support after I paid $200 for the disc and then $10

for a replacement key.

If anybody could help me figure out what is going on here it would be

greatly appreciated.