User gets error message that states "An error occurred while attempting to verify server and activation key" when attempting to activate their software.
This error indicates that there is a communication issue between the workstation and the license server; The workstation is unable to connect to the license server to verify the Site Activation Key (This error can occur whether the server name / site activation key is correct or incorrect).
There are many possible reasons for lack of communication with a license server, and for this reason it is usually necessary for the local IT staff to troubleshoot the connectivity issue. Typically if a workstation can "ping' the license server, licensing will be possible.
Some common issues would include no internet connectivity, having to connect to the license server thru a proxy server (proxy server settings can be configured in the License Management Tool), or having to configure a firewall to allow access to the license server.