Hotmail verification code email not arriving – account locked

"As you're trying to access sensitive info, you need to use a security code to verify your account. How would you like to receive your code?"

About a week ago I started getting prompts to enter a verification code, but everytime I requested it to be sent to my backup email it didn't arrive (I checked all spam and junk filters).  Progressively the counter said I had fewer and fewer days to resolve the issue, every day I request the verification code which never arrived.

I also emailed hotmail support who sent a message to my hotmail account (!) rather than my backup email address, with one day to spare I logged in and it wasn't clear if anyone was doing anything to fix the problem.  I replied but now cannot see if there has been any response.

Today my hotmail account is locked, verification codes still aren't arriving (again checked all spam and junk filters), other emails are arriving to the backup address fine.
 
Can someone help with this issue?  The circular event process is driving me crazy and I need my hotmail back.

Thanks,
David