I just installed steam, and it says my CD-key is not valid or already used!!!
I double checked, it typed it properlly and that's my original HL CD (bought in the old school years 1999!) so, did anyone have this problem too???
Someone may have generated your CD key and used it already, if the problem persists, there isn't much you can do... You could try emailing Gabe and telling him the situation, don't know if that'll help but it's worth a try.