Every time I try to authorize my PRS-500 (I won it from ebay), it says it had a problem authorizing it (error code 3-013). I can't do anything else (can't load books on it or anything that I've bought).

I've tried a hard reset of the device and deleting those files Sony mentioned in the Application Data folder and such...What do I do?

Have you tried calling their support number (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Sony_Reader#Manufacturer:)? That may help you get through it ....

I haven't been able to yet (they're currently closed).

Do you think the previous owner will need to de-authorize the device on his account before I can use it on mine?

Have you tried calling their support number (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Sony_Reader#Manufacturer:)? That may help you get through it ....

Oh yeah, and one more thing regarding that...One of the numbers seems to be shut down, and the other said they were closed (hours...it was the ebook one). Is the one that works still the right one for me to call?

Also, would it have anything to do with my firmware or software version? Perhaps one or the other is too high or incompatible? I know that's likely impossible considering the latest firmware and software are the only thing you can download on Sony's PRS-500 page.