How do I get my own domain name back?

My domain name is no longer active. I want to go with a new web hoster, but if I type in the name of the domain name I want (my old one that just expired), it says it is in use and gives my information to get in touch with me! My old web hoster (quality host online) still has my old domain name that no one is using. It is very hard to get in touch with this web hosting service. Hopefully this all made sense. What do I do? Thanks!

Well, usually your web host will notify you that it is expiring. Check there FAQ, if they have one, you might find your question there. If not email them, if I had more information on web host I might be able to point you more of in the right direction. If it is with a national host, they might put it up for auction. I know this isn't your web host but it might give you some of the information you might be looking for. I hoped this helped.

http://help.godaddy.com/article.php?article_id=612&topic_id=&&

If your domain has expired recently then I believe it is not immediately available to purchase. But, I could be wrong.

You know you can change your web host whenever you want. You can have your domain registered somewhere completely different than the place you host it.

you have to find a way to transfer your domain name to a new hosting company... you will have to find out what the Domain Name Servers (DNS) are of your new company and request a transfer

Go to godaddy.co and try to use their service to transfer to you there. It might work, it might not, but it is worth a try.

Once your domain name is on godady, you control where it points to and never have to deal with former webhosts again.