Security code required when attempting to sign in to hotmail

Having typed in a/c address and password, I get a 'verification' page.  It says a security code is required for me to access the a/c.  I don't have one but they have the correct address for sending me a code (my aol a/c) so I click 'Next' and a message pops onto the page saying "Security code sent to address specified",   I check the aol a/c, but no message.  Itry about half a dozen times over the next few hours, same result.  Finally - still on the verification page - a maessage pops up saying, roughly 'you have asked for too many verification codes foe today. Try again tomorrow". Well. I asked for them, but they were not received. I could go round this loop until the allowed six days have expired, at which point I lose the account. I rely on it for my work as a poet.  It's a nightmare.  Can anybody help?  I wonder if it's a hacking scam - it does require me to have my hotmail a/c and my aol a/c open at the same time, and I have had false msg problems before in hotmail.  ANY IDEAS?  HELP!  Patrick the Poet