k, whenever I try to join a dedi server in ce, I usually either cannot connect or get the "the server operator has banned you from the server" message before I join.
I can usually join non-dedi server and a few dedi's but that's it.

I exed out alldev and thirdperson-fov because i thought they might be causing the problem, but no dice. I currently have bloom installed with my ce and the versoin switcher file.

What's causing me to get banned? I shouldn't be on their banlist because I've never been on these servers before.

Normally this is caused by using a serial (CD Key) from a Serial website. If you find serials on there, chances are that Gamespy banned the serial entirely.

So, did you buy the game or use a serial from a serial website?

Nope, didn't use a cerial website.

And i can join other servers so I don't think that's the problem.

Maybe you got banned from those servers? Some clans share ban-lists as well.

k, specifically the dedi I keep getting banned from is the POQ clan (along with others)
I went to their forums and made an account, but i can't find my name on their ban list?

POQ and =CE= share ban lists. Try some non-coldsnap servers.