HELP!!!! I CANNOT SIGN IN TO MY MICROSOFT ACCOUNT ANYMORE

I used to have a Microsoft account which i cannot access anymore. Here is what happens:

- when i go to Microsoft and select sign-in I am prompted to insert my email address

- when i enter the email address and press "continue" i get an error message saying that the account corresponding to the email i provided does not exist

- if i try to create a new account using that same email i get an error message saying that an account using that same email already exists and i am offered the opportunity to recover my username (which i also remember - btw)

- when i chose the option to recover the username, i receive a safety code on the email address which i enter and then i get displayed usernames associated to that email account that i do not recognize

I also tried to recover the account using the Microsoft self services for the account recovery and when i provide my email to let the system check and verify the account i get again the message that the account does not exist.

If i click on "can't access my account" from the Sign In mask, I then choose Personal Account and then access the Recover Account Mask where i type again the email address to finally get the message again that the account is not recognized.

I am sure i am not the only one experiencing this madness but it would be extremely appreciated if someone could offer some help on how i could retrieve and regain control of that account that is very important for me as it includes critical information i need.

Thanks

:)