If you're kicked by punkbuster you could have serious trouble...or you could have no trouble :)

It all depends on what kind of ban it is. If it's a REAL punkbuster ban then you'll see a reason in most cases except the multi-core kick, which gives no reason. If you see that it's related to the way Punkbuster works on multi-core machines and is easily fixed.

There's also the "Admin Scare" ban. This one is where an admin kicks you for any reason, even stupid ones like stealing what he considered his vehicle, and ties some sort of message on the end of it. Smart admins can do this well so regardless of what type of kick you get you should try to connect to at least 5 different servers before you panic. If you find you're banned and getting the same message from every server you try then you have a real Punkbuster ban.

Remember, Punkbuster will never ban you for screen shots, Admin videos, or anything else Admin related. They will only ban you if they catch you themselves with their software! That means if an Admin tells you "I'm reporting you to Punkbuster!" he's just throwing empty threats. Turn name hacks on and put a bullet in his head! The worst he can do is ban you from his specific server. HA! Talk about a dog with no teeth!

Punkbuster has 2 bans, one is the GUID ban which blocks your CD key and the other is the infamous HARDWARE or HW ban, which blocks components of your computer.

If you have a GUID ban, CLICK HERE.
If you have a HARDWARE or HW ban, CLICK HERE.

If you have neither of those then it's likely just an adminstrative kick. Admins can kick you and say a whole host of things, like GLOBAL BAN, or AIMBOT HACK, or many many more. Just try getting into another server and you'll probably be fine. If you find that you cannot enter 5 or more servers then you have a true punkbuster kick and need to search for help here.

If your error isn't in the knowledgebase you should post in the forums.