Yes, there is a way to load without the CD once you have done the initial install.  It is not something that is covered in the installation...strictly an after-market item   PM me your email address. 

Microsoft discontinured the online multi-player site sometime ago.   There are a few small groups who are playing online, by the simple expedient of one player using his computer as the 'host'.   Our group has given up on multi-player due to the limitations and, frankly, it is vastly over-rated.   If I had the addresses of any remaining groups that active online, I would pass them along, but I do not.