Initially, Apple Support directed me to just use a different email address. I did that as a temporary solution to enable me to access iTunes and other Apple services, but it was a Gmail address that I created just for that purpose. I don't use Gmail, and I had no intention of starting, so I was still determined to get my own email address back.

In my experience, . I tried repeatedly to reset the password for my email address, but the reset confirmation emails never arrived. The reason? The confirmation emails are sent to an emergency rescue backup email address. I had no idea what account was using my email address, so I had no way of knowing where those emails were being delivered.

No problem. You can also verify your identity to reset your Apple ID by answering security questions. The first one--the gateway to get to the actual security questions--is your date of birth. I entered my date of birth, and the Apple system told me I was wrong...about my own date of birth.

Every time I'd contact Apple Support I would get the same default answers, and "solutions" that wouldn't work. Apple Support would explain that my email address was already in use on another Apple ID account, and that until it was removed from that account I'd be unable to use it.

Exasperated, I'd explain again that I can't remove the email address from the Apple ID account because I had no idea what the Apple ID account was, or how to access it. Eventually, I'd become frustrated and quit. After a month or two, I'd contact Apple support and try again.