Well, first, stupid question but are you sure you're on the right server?
Second, if your characters really are gone you need to create a character and petition. Be ready to tell the guide the account names (not the passwords), and the character names.
If you aren't sure about the spelling of all 24, go to the directory where you installed EQ and look for the charactername.INI files (mine would be Samira_76.INI, for example. The 76 means Innoruuk, I believe).
This was kind of a widespread problem on Inny after the latest server crash/rollback, so it can happen. I lost five characters, two of them bazaar mules loaded with spells. I did get them back, though, so don't panic.
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In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.