Hmm...I suspect you got a WinXP that's already been activated and thus registered by someone else using the exact same Serial as you. Did you ever lend XP to anyone else to use?
Windows XP has an activation process to prevent piracy and violation of the EULA. For some reason, when I reinstalled my Windows, it let me activate it. There must be a mechanism for the previous installation of Windows to communicate with the new installation of Windows (even after a format!) in order for the new installation to recognize that this is not a violation of the EULA, but merely a re-install.
Like SFR said, I would try contacting Microsoft.
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