Can't activate old iPod touch...

Apologies for the bummer that is my username.

I have an old iPod touch that, from what I can remember, was a gift from someone. I am attempting to use the device after many years of non-use and am prompted with the message: "Your iPod touch could not be activated because the activation server cannot be reached." Upon going into iTunes and attempting to activate it, I am told that my device cannot be accessed with my ID. This is strange, because the device appears on my Apple account.

I thought that (despite the fact that the device is showing up on my account) maybe it is requesting the original ID from when the device was first purchased? This I do not have access to. I was told by Apple support that there is pretty much nothing I can do without proof of purchase. Thoughts?