Seems like this idea of inputting the serial number of the game is working in origin's favour ( see newsletter- the end of discs.)
after a while, the serial nunber of older games is not recognised by the 'redeem code' section of the website giving the gamer no choice in the matter other than buying a new copy from origin.
I have a old copy of Simcity4 deluxe that will not load past 75% the disc was bought second hand and after the online support chap ' had a chat with his supervisor' told me to take the game back to the retailer
this attitude and persistent errors found in EA games is doing the company a hell of a lot of no good-
binned the game and am buying nothing more that has electronic arts name ion it !