Age of Empires 3 question using cards and crack?

[spotts]

I have installed AoE3 and had played 3 levels. As i understand it at the end of each level you should get a card to use at your home base. The copy protection is SmartEDVD. The problem is that I have played 3 levels by no cards yet and no access to the home town for shipments. when I complete a level the customise town and cards buttons are there but greyed out. I am wondering if the copy protection is causing this even though I have tried both the mini image and the no cd version 1.01 and the latest 1.04 after upgrading.

Or is it that cards and their use comes later in the game. It is just that it says typically after each level you should visit the home town and use your cards?

Appreciate anyone that has played further into the game and can give me the heads up on this on.

[spotts]

Dont Worry. It seems that cards only are used after level 4.