Bellsouth E-Mail refusing password - even after reset

For over a month I have been trying to login to my bellsouth e-mail account with no success.  My e-mail is linked to the account so when I change one password they both change.  I can login to my account so I KNOW I am using the correct password but it keeps telling me it is invalid.  Today I tried it so many times it has locked me out telling me to contact an operator - which is IMPOSSIBLE unless you have FOREVER to stay on the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!