Setting up iMessage

Hello,

I am having problems setting up iMessage and think it has something to do with me moving from MobileMe to iCloud.
First of all when I went to verify email address when setting up iMessage I used my apple ID email but got the error message "email address already in use". I solved this by finding out that I had two apple ID accounts linked to the same me.com email address and subsequently deleting the duplicate.

So I then went back and tried to verify my email address again but this time got the error message "This email address cannot be used with iMessage". Why is this?

Also and finally, when I go to manage my apple ID I am unable to verify my me.com address. Why is this?

Hopefully someone can help.

Thanks,

James.