OK all you Microsoft gurus, I think I have discovered a solution to my problem.

Solution:
Unbeknownst to me, my anti-virus software was preventing the activation of the MS Access trial version. I temporarily disabled the software (AVG) and the activation was almost instantaneous. Additionally, it appears that I can use both the trial version of Access 07 and the Home and Student retail version simultaneously on the same computer. However, it's only been about 10 minutes so there's plenty of time for something else to go wrong.

Although the problem is solved for now I am still waiting on those tickets

Best,
SME