Retrieving character

Hello everyone. I have one question regarding retrieving of lost character. I made an account here like 3 years ago. I used to play here and then due to lack of time I had to stop. I remember I had one character here on Lordaeron real, WotLK expansion. When I downloaded WotLK again and choose Lordaeron realm it showed that I have 1 character on that realm. But when I clicked enter, I had no characters. So I just wanted to ask you if you have any idea what happened? Did I maybe lose my character because I didn't play for long time? If it's like that is there any chance to retrieve this character? I started leveling again, but it's kinda too slow and too annoying. Thanks in advance,

Cylence.