I just fired off another request to tech "support". While waiting I checked the Knowledgebase under both unlock code and registration.

Here's the "help" provided:

Solution: If your activation code is not working, please re-register your product with us either at our registration page, or by contacting us at 1-800-577-6642.

Totally and completely useless since this is exactly what I've been doing and it is the SOURCE of the problem!