I keep getting this message saying "Server Authentication Failed" whenever I try to create a private server on Crysis 1 to play with my friend. Two things are slightly weird; first- it happened after playing normally for a while, and then the next day I tried to make a server again and it game me the error, and second- I can join already created servers (all the forum threads I've seen say they can't play online at all, in any servers). I simply can't make my own servers, and my friend can't either. Any idea on how to fix this?

My PunkBuster Protection button is completely grey-ed out, what does that mean? That's it's not even installed? Or it's out of date?

Then manually reinstall it

Then manually reinstall it

How do I do that?

Oops. Seems like Crysis is not on the list of PB anymore. I think the cancelled PB support in Crysis!
You should try other methods mentioned in the thread

Well that stinks. I'll check my CD key but I have it on steam, no actual CD

When have you bought Crysis on Steam? Is it possible Gamespy didn't verify your CD key yet? Have you tried to play on some public servers?

I got my Steam version June 16th (had been using hard copy on CD prior). I can play on any public server, I just can't make my own, which I'd like to do since my friend and I enjoy playing 1v1 and just screwing around