Important lost emails

My email account has been changed to Outlook and I no longer seem to have my hotmail emails.  Although this is no longer my primary account, I still need access to them, if even just to forward them/save the important details.  I was not made aware they would be removed!  I have tried following instructions about restoring old emails with no luck.  The account wasn't inactive for that long and I need those emails!!  Please help!