Why do I need a code to provide updated creditcard info to keep Outlook email subscription from expiring?

 Tried https://commerce.microsoft.com as recommended in the 'no reply' email I received, but encountering problem verifying who I am?? Have had this email acct for over 10 years. Why are they making such a big deal out of a simple cc verification? What's with the Code thing? I can't afford to wait for the 30 days they say it takes to verify everything, I may lose my only email account with tons of letters, etc. stored there.