Question about Outlook Express

When the switch to outlook occurred I had my email account deleted. when I tried to log in Microsoft says email doesn't exist. I have had this email since the beginning of email time, it that all and contains all my contacts and folders with saved emails and business correspondence. my other email address converted over to outlook with no issues however I had my other email attached to that account. not sure if that's how to explain it. I would log in to my email and access the email account from within one account without having to log in separately.  as far as the email that no longer exists I was able to create the same email address with the outlook extension which doesn't  do me any good since I cant get into the old account to update to my contacts my new address. when I send an email to that address Microsoft says it would automatically be forwarded to the new outlook account. This does not happen when I send an email to that account it goes to cyberspace black hole and who knows where it is. Please help me recover my email and contacts someone out there has to know a way out of this. *** Email address is removed for privacy ***  BTW *** Email address is removed for privacy *** was the original account that I lost. I had  LINKED that to my *** Email address is removed for privacy *** which is survived the outlook switch. I desperately need help.... PLEASE HELP ME