Until about three weeks ago, I didn't have to sign in either. Then, one day, I was asked to create an account. I didn't have to sign in every time I clicked the link. I've tried abling/disabling cookies, allowing/disallowing popups, etc. But since last week, I have no access. I'll try again to contact google. Makes no sense to me, but then my brain does not work in the whole techie realm.