when i try to log onto my hotmail account i am being told “That Microsoft account doesn’t exist. Enter a different email address or get a new account.”

I have had the email "*** Email address is removed for privacy ***" for years. however i have not logged into it for a while, and went to log on two days ago. When i enter my email and various passwords it might be, I am being told  "That Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different email address or get a new account."
I have sent emails to my other accounts from this email a while ago, so I know the email definately does exist. i really need to get into this account and dont know why this is happening?
Thankyou