Filled in verification forms to reset hotmail password – told to make a new account :(

When I decided to update some personal info on my xbox 360 console, I was prompted to enter the password to the email address which is tied to my game account. Guess what, I forgot the password and couldn't gain access! Like many other users, I went through the email verification process to reset the password. I tried my best to fill in the blanks but I honestly couldn't remember much. Each time I filled in the form I received an email of rejection from MS (sent to my alternate address) saying that they couldn't verify my details for the inaccessible account. 

Now, after several failed attempts MS have suggested that I make a new account. This is not good. I will have to scrap the game account which I have been using for many years and start fresh with a new one instead. I can easily make the same friends again but I will lose of all my achievements!

This is really annoying, I filled in the verification form with personal information that only I would know, including payment details etc so surely that counts for something, right?  

So, I would like to know, what action can I take? Are there any support numbers I can call? Can I contact someone directly at microsoft through a technical support email address to solve this issue? 

Hope you can help (community members and microsoft people!). I'm getting tired of dealing with automated responses.

thanks,