EA and BIOWARE will use a new securom activation :
"SecuROM
SecuROM is the copy protection and security program included in Mass Effect PC.
Mass Effect PC uses SecuROM which requires an online activation for the first time you play Mass Effect PC after installation. After the first activation, SecuROM requires that it re-check with the server within ten days in order to revalidate the CD key. If it can't contact the server before the 10 days are up, the game still runs and it will re-check until it is successful. If the check is not successfully performed within the 10 day period, Mass Effect will not run until an online check is successful.
Each copy of Mass Effect comes with a CD Key which is used for the SecuROM activation and for registration here at the BioWare Community.
SecuROM does not require the Mass Effect DVD to be in the drive in order to play, it is only for installation."
I copy it from masseffect forum FAQ.
The link for a long, long discussion about this new securom issue :
http://masseffect.bioware.com/forums/viewt...um=125&sp=0