Are my old accounts gone?

I haven't visited in a few years. I tried logging into my old accounts (some were doners) and changing the passwords, but I get a "no known account" error.

Were they destroyed?

I understand if they are gone and I can't get them back, it's no problem. I'd just like to know if it's possible to salvage my old accounts/characters.

PS: Sorry to hear what happened. Glad you guys stuck through it and kept going.

The recovery options were available after the Moltdown, but now all you can do is start over.