unable to access hotmail account after password reset – link not working

I have had numerous problems with this account since my son linked his Xbox account to my hotmail account.
He was getting password error messages and so changed the password not realising that this was linked to my hotmail account.  I was then logging onto my hotmail account and getting a password error message.
I duly filled in the relevant forms on the hotmail page and provided an alternative email address (which i created with Yahoo).  I received a message in said email account with a link to allow me to reset my password for my original email address. 
However this link has not worked from 5.30am this morning to current time!!!
I have spoken to the helpdesk who despite making me return calls to them three times then advised me that as I was not paying for the hotmail account that they could not help! (I wasn't asked this in the first place!)
I have tried every area that i have been directed to including www.answers.microsoft.com and www.account.live.com/acsr - all to no avail!
PLEASE CAN ANYBODY HELP ME TO RECOVER ME EMAIL?
(IT IS NOW SAYING THAT THIS EMAIL DOES NOT EXIST)
PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!

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