Google sent me an up grade for gmail now locked out of original

I received an upgrade to my gmail from google. I sat there for 30 mins trying not to do this upgrade. Finely I move forward. The instructions said I had to create an alternate email address. I try for an hour not to do this but finely did. It said I could still access my old account. NOW I've tried everything I know and cannot get into my old account period. I have tried to log into the old account and cannot get in. Simple question How DO I get INTO my old gmail and do away with all this forced on me upgrade. Please advise me direct at removed by moderator@gmail.com.