Does C&C Generals Zero Hour (Safedisc 2.9) launch ok not playing online? If so then update then try again. If you can't get online(backup or original) then more than likely your serial has been stolen
When you launch the pc game from your rom, click update. After installing all updates play the backup in a dvd\cd-rom and go online and play
I've helped you as much as I possibly can m8. Keep in mind 2 people playing with same game with a identical cd key online won't happen. If backup fails to play online then obviously use your original.