Game download using liscense # from disk?

No. The only way to download it digitally is to purchase it digitally.

The liscense transfer is for downloadable content only (stuff from the marketplace like map packs, trailers, demos, etc.). As the above user said you will also need to use a transfer cable or USB to transfer your game saves.

So you've used the liscense once and it worked fine, now something has changed with your computer and it is viewing it as you re-using the liscense?

If this is the case, there isn't going to be a way around the game thinking you've already used the game liscense. I would contact the game developer directly, or Microsoft support directly, and be ready to show proof of purchase and explain your situation.
They should be able to provide a new liscense.

If I'm misunderstanding your situation, please clarify it for me.

I was talking retail disk games.. I can import 99% of games from japan if I wanted and play them on PS3.

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For xbox it would be more like 30% of games... you are correct liscensing and lame laws and such prevent many things coming out everywhere. but with retail games almost every game works on every ps3.

Yes, if you used someone else's console, it's blocked on yours due to download liscensing, as well as all the proper updates.

You need to take your whole console, not just HD, and redownload, and do a liscense transfer to have it register fully on your own console, otherwise it will only play while connected to live.