Windows98 asking me for PRODUCT KEY

Help if you can..I have just been cleaning uo my old VAIO running
Windows98 and deleted temporary internet files, nothing else. It
seized, so I powered off and powered on, and now I am being asked to
input my WINDOWS98 Product Key that came with the machine when I
purchased the PC in 1999. That Key I have in storage in San Diego,
locked away, and I am in Argentina. I can’t get past this screen. My
screensaver still shows, so the machine still has my personalized
content on it, obviously ! Aggghhh, any ideas ? Thanks in advance.
russell_ferrier@hotmail.com