please HELP ME!!

hi, this is a great board! i have a serious problem maybe someone can help. i graduated a georgia nursing school in 1996. i have an associates degree. i took the nclex after graduation, but i did not pass. i chose to pursue a business opportunity and have been doing so ever since. i recently decided to get my rn license but was told that i cannot take a refesher course and take the nclex over because i never had a license. i was told i had to re-enter nursing school all over again! (start back at square one) has anyone ever had this problem? i dont understand why someone can come back after 15 years of their license lapsing and take a refresher and i cant. nursing has changed and neither case would be up to par. thanks for any help!