Cubase won't load without interface

I bought a Steinberg UR44 interface that came with Cubase AI. I bought the Cubase Artist 10 Upgrade. I’m really happy with both the interface and the software. My problem is Cubase Artist 10 won’t open without the interface connected even with the USB elicenser flash drive plugged in. I get an error about not having a license. I don’t understand why this happens or what to do to resolve my issue. Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks,
Dion