UGH...Xbox Live issue

[MinisterofDOOM]

I bought a $50 12+1 month XBL card since my gold account expires in a few days.

However, when I tried to enter the code, I got heaps of crap instead of 13 more months of Live. The card does not work.

First, when I enter the code, the console brings up a page showing that it's a 3 MONTH card. The card clearly says "12+1 months" on it.

I tried re-entering it a few times, even tried entering it with the gamepad instead of keyboard just in case that was the issue somehow. Nothing.

Worse, when I actually tried to redeem it anyway (after coaxing from Xbox customer support) I got an error saying "Cannot retrieve information from Xbox Live."

The girl at Xbox support said to update my out of date contact info (which is odd, since I haven't changed it and entered it right originally, but it was indeed wrong, with my phone number showing as 555-5555), then wait an hour and try again.I did. No deal.

Tried again this morning. Same issue. Wrong renewal period (3 months instead of 13) followed by an error.

Anyone ever run into this before?

What should I do? Can I just call XBox support and couteously insist that they give me the 13 months I paid for anyway? The girl at support DID confirm that the code is valid for 13 months, so they know I'm not trying to gip them. Or will they be that cooperative?

I can't take the card back to the store I bought it from since it's got the code exposed. Which is a bad policy because you can't know the card is bad until you use the code...

[Dittoz7]

Just Jeep Calling.

[Loki]

I got the same 12+1 card when my account was supposed to run out in May, but then it never ran out....so I still haven't entered it Iono, keep calling support.

[C-Kwik]

Call and speak to a manager. They may be able to do more. I had an issue when I tried to renew. I had gone out of town and let the account expire and had planned to renew with a 12+1 card when I returned. What I didn't know at the time was that if you have a card attacherd to the account, it will try and bill you if you don't renew manually before expiration. Once it does that, the account becomes past due and the only way to pay is with a credit card. After numerous calls to XBOX support, I got a manager and he basically removed the billing renewal which allowed me to use the card. He did have to do some research to figure out how to do this, but I doubt you're gonna get that kind of helped from the people on the front lines of the call center. Especially if you get someone in India.

[bmike818]

I would try the store again, its like buying a scratched DVD. You don't know until you open it. Good luck!

+1 on getting a hold of the US customer service line. DId you know that the customer service people abroad are forbidden to talk about where they are.

[MinisterofDOOM]

What I didn't know at the time was that if you have a card attacherd to the account, it will try and bill you if you don't renew manually before expiration. Once it does that, the account becomes past due and the only way to pay is with a credit card.

Wow, I didn't know that. First thing I'm doing when I get home tomorrow is dissociating my card with my XBL account (if that's possible...).

[redtop91]

DId you know that the customer service people abroad are forbidden to talk about where they are.

Customer service people anywhere are forbidden to talk about where they are. Why would you tell some pissed off jackoff where you are so he can come shoot up your call center? As far as US customer service being better, all getting someone in the US ensures is that you can understand them still being a total dumbass. I'd keep calling. Getting results in dealing with customer service is just a matter of calling until you get someone who knows WTF they are talking about.

[C-Kwik]

Wow, I didn't know that. First thing I'm doing when I get home tomorrow is dissociating my card with my XBL account (if that's possible...).

It is possible, but you have to call in to get them to remove it.

[MinisterofDOOM]

So...

My XBL Gold subscription expired today. I tried the card one last time.And for some stupid reason it worked.

I guess apparently you can't "renew" while your subscription is still valid?Eh...whatever.