That does sound weird.

Some games you can play online with a silver account. Or if you activated a 48 hour gold trial, you can play online, but it still says you have a silver account.

Other than those 2 ideas, i have no clue.

ITS NOT OVERHEATING!!!

Everybody says that, but its not. You want proof? Heres your proof: go to youtube.com and type in:

Xbox 360 supposedly "overheats" -- 2 red lights issue

watch this video.