badadvic on "Unable to login to get my API key"

I’m trying to decrease my spam with Askimet
When I login to wordpress using the link I’m emailed to approve a comment (http://www.badadvicecolumn.com/wp-login.php?loggedout=true), I’m able to access my dashboard, post, etc.
When I try to login to wordpress from their main login page, (https://en.wordpress.com/wp-login.php) my username and password don’t work.
To enable Askimet, I need an API key (http://en.support.wordpress.com/api-keys/#finding-your-key)
Unfortunately, this sends me to the main login page, which doesn’t accept my username and password.
I’m also unable to backup wordpress for the same reason.
I had to create a separate profile just to access the forum area.
I have a domain separate from wordpress and wonder if that’s the problem. If so, how do I fix it?
Help!