Windows Live Mail will not sign in with Microsoft account

I'm not having any luck with chat reps, so need some help.  My computer was reinstalled yesterday, with new updates.  Since then, even though I have been able to reestablish all 3 of my email addresses within WLM, it will not let me "sign in".  (I AM getting mail, but I cannot access Microsoft account to sync back in contacts, etc.).  Each time I try it makes me establish a new password, but then doesn't recognize updated password either.  Tried to update & install Essentials (newer than my version), and same problem.  I'm signed in via this website on IE okay, but cannot sign in via Windows Live/Essentials.  Help!