How do I delete my hotmail account?

I get way too much junk mail to this address so I would like to delete it permanently. When I try to delete it, it  tells me I need to deactivate/close the account first. When I try to do that, it tells me that I need to settle my billing account with Microsoft. When I go to the billing page, it tells me that I have no record. How can I delete this account? Thank you.