Locating product key for Windows 8

So what had happened was......my daughter yanked my Dell Inspiron 17R 5721 laptop off the countertop.
It then would not boot up all the way. After some research, I found that I needed a new hard drive. No big deal, 60$ at my local staples.
Then I had to purchase the Windows 8 operating system, again, no big deal, 40$ from Dell. Came on Zip drive. Does not come with a product key.
Now, upon boot up it says "checking media"....... "Media fail"......
Then boots up, prompts me for my password. Then wants me to activate Windows. So I select "go to pc settings" and it wants a product key.
Problem is I have no sticker on the laptop it's self and after some more research, I am understanding the product key is "injected" on the motherboard?
Called Dell, accordingly to them my only options are locate the original product key or pay them 250$ For a 1 year service and assistant agreement with the assurance that my problem could be fixed over the phone.
And now I am at complete standstill and no clue how to proceed from this point.
No way they are going to get 250$ from me. I am 100$ bucks into trying to get this laptop back to what it was before the drop and I am stuck.
Any advice, assistance, ideas on what or how to proceed would very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Johnny

Hello Johnny, and welcome to Eight Forums.

I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble activating.

You can use OPTION SIX in the tutorial below to see what your product key number is. Be sure to note what edition of Windows 8 it says it is for.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html#option6

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks Shawn. I was able to get the required information. product and all that. Went to input the 25 digit deal and got the message stating that "the product does not work", you may need to get in touch with a store .......Would this have anything to do with the Windows 8 operating system recovery USB that I bought for the laptop.?

Thanks,

Johnny

Very likely Dell sent you the wrong edition... can't believe they are trying to suck $250 out of you - that's just disgraceful!

It may be best to download the correct version (it will be Win 8.1) with the Media Creator Tool - make sure the edition of your key matches. If unsure post the edition and we'll confirm which selection you need to make.

I agree with Superfly. That's what sounds like happened.

OPTION ONE in the tutorial below can give you more details on how to download an ISO file of your own for the edition your key is for.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

To create bootable USB:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/15458-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-create-windows.html

If the Media Edition is correct - it will not ask you to input a product key - using Dell or MS Media..

I would also request a refund from Dell as the Dell Media was incorrect for your PC - which PC most likely was Windows Home Edition..