Yes, there are ways you can get around it like cracks. However telling you how to get them illegal, and against the forum rules, for obvious reasons.
What I think you should do now is contact Microsoft customer relations. Tell them your situation, ask if you can post back the product and proof of you buying it (a receipt would be good) and they may be able to help you out.
I'm not sure where Microsoft stands on issues like this.
Anyway you can find full ways on how to contact Microsoft Tech Support on
http://support.microsoft.com/.