Three days. That’s how long I’ve had my URGE subscription. Just a few minutes ago, at the very beginning of a song, my Zen Micro Photo threw the error message “Playback error” and stopped playing music. I have been able to pinpoint the problem to my DRM-ed tracks, since the unprotected ones play just fine. I reset my player, thinking that it would fix the problem (it works with PCs all the time). Started up, rebuilt library, playback error.

When I get home tonight I’ll resync with my library and see what difference it makes, if any. I know that licenses have to be renewed every so often with these subscription services, but three days? Isn’t that a little too soon? A quick Google search brought up others with similar issues, but they used Rhapsody’s service. Since they are both PlayForSure, maybe they are related?

I put in a request with URGE support, but I have no doubt that I will get the standard, “check with your device manufacturer” or “is your firmware up to date?” response.

Update: I got a lengthy response from URGE support describing a step-by-step process for fixing the problem. I’ll give it a shot tonight. If you are interested in seeing the message, read on.

William,

We apologize for the difficulties you are experiencing playing music on your portable music player. If you are receiving the error that your subscription track has expired or failed to get the license, please try the following steps.

1) Sign into your URGE account.
2) Play a track stored on your local library or download any track from URGE. This will allow URGE to renew the license on your computer.
3) Check the Media Usage Rights of the tracks you wish to transfer to your portable music player by following the steps below. This will indicate the date your subscription track will expire and will no longer be playable.
a) In “My Library,” right click the media file.
b) Select “Properties.” A separate window will pop up.
c) Click the “Media Usage Rights” tab.
d) On this tab, you will find the digital rights management associated with that particular media file. If no information is listed, then the file has no restrictions.
4) Re-format your portable music player. Please visit your manufacturer’s website/owner’s manual for instructions on re-setting your portable music player. Please note: Any media content currently on the portable music player will be deleted.
5) Sync your music to the portable music player by following the steps below.
a) Start the Player, and then connect your device to your computer. If prompted, select the option to sync the device using Windows Media Player.
b) Do one of the following:
i) If the Player has selected to sync your device automatically, click Finish. When you do so, the Player will sync your entire library to your device. After that, your device will sync every time you connect it to your computer.
ii) If the Player has selected to sync your device manually, click Finish. Then, in the Sync tab, you can select the files and playlists you want to sync manually.
c) For automatic sync, if you want to sync only a portion of your library, you can choose what syncs automatically. See the procedure on how to choose what syncs automatically in this topic.

If after taking these steps you still are having difficulties playing music on your portable device, please contact us again.

Sincerely,
Mary
URGE Customer Support
www.URGE.com