Apple id invalid or not supported

my old one stopped working after an update a few years ago, it still has the e mail addy I used under my name in the settings, but I cannot access the ID's password even after going to Forgot Password,

It depends on what you did with your 'old Apple ID'. If you have deleted it, it is no longer valid, it simply no longer exists and it no longer works.

To understand about a deleted Apple ID, see the Apple articles below:

How to delete your Apple ID account

How to delete your Apple ID account – Apple Support (UK)

Understand and control the personal information that you store with Apple

Understand and control the personal information that you store with Apple - Apple Support

I have made a new Apple ID

You are sign in here .  .  .  with your 'new' Apple ID & Password (?)

Your Apple ID is the personal account you use with all Apple products and services. It includes the email address and password you use to sign in, as well as the contact, payment, and security details that you use with Apple.

You can’t merge multiple Apple ID accounts.

Then you have to use the Apple ID that you use to sign in here.

a bit of a bummer losing the pics and songs but I had saved them to the computer,

👍

Make regular backups, see -> How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

No more "ghost" apple id on the phone,

Good to hear of the good outcome.

Thanks for your feedback. 

Yes, you have, contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.

did you needed to prove that its your device?