Hello Techtech323,
The easest way would be to contact your local Activation call center. They can check the Product Key and tell you if it is valid. Also, it the key is valid, they may also be able to help you with the problem you are having in using the key.
List of Activation Call Centers: http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/numbers.mspx
Thanks,
Darin MS
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