Microsoft Account Login Issues

I recently purchased a new laptop with Windows 8. I created a Microsoft account with my usual email. I accidentally deleted the account and now I am trying to recreate it with the same email. However, every time I do this, it tells me that my email address is "already taken". I need to use this email because the apps on my computer default to it automatically and request my password for the account, but it never works because the account no longer exists. If I can't use the same email, can I at least change my laptop's default email?