there were 2 serials tho, right?
1 to install the game (standard ea one - mass_effect_code.exe)
and
2. the actual activation key..
while the crack does remove the activation (which is why it was removed), the game can still check but it'd have to check with using the securom code, which is effectively null and void for this instance, so it can't really check.. the fact you can't quick save is definately an indication that the crack is bad.. on mine i could practically save anywhere (though, truth be told, i haven't played that much due to (as you say) real world commitments)
, might get some time over the weekend hopefully...
what you could do (if you have time) is to see if you can quick save when using the uncracked exe, and your legit serial, then you'll know 100% if things are bad or not.. for me, im not willing to take the risk... activation was painless and im not really willing to risk save game / data corruption by testing a crack that lots of people claim is bad