Issues with iCloud log in on older devices

This issue involves a MacBook Air 11" from 2013 I think and an iPhone 12 mini. My MacBook tells me that the password I use to log in to the laptop and my Apple ID password are the same but when I try to put this password in for my Apple ID it says it's incorrect. When I go to reset my password I enter the email that is associated with my Apple ID and it says that the request could not be completed at this time. I can't use this laptop anymore and it's affecting my iPhone as it is also connected to this Apple ID. I have since got an iPad and iMac and when I got the iPad I decided to create a new Apple ID but I can't change my phone or laptop. Somehow they are still connected. The only thing I really want to keep from this laptop are the photos as they aren't on my iCloud account. I suppose my question or query is, is there anything I can do apart from factory reset both these devices and potentially lose a large part of my life in photos and files. The only solution I can think of is trying to download the photos from the laptop on to a hard drive.