How old must I be to enlist in the USMC ?

I have a mess on my hands, I swore into the DEP on Febuary, 24, 2007 when I was 34. I was promised a program that I did not get. they told me 3 days before I was shipping out which was 4 days before my birthday. This led me to rethink my plans. as I did so my birthday came I turned 35, now they said I could not join the USMC! I thought when I swore into the Delayed Entry Program that you had 365 days to shipout! My recruiter & his boss say I can't, Some higher ups say it's very slim. I love the USMC & do not want to fight them, but I want to be a Marine. I need help. Am I fighting a lost cause? I think it's unfair to stop me from serving the USMC & my country in a time of war because of this. Especially when I ped everything they threw at me, tests, physicals, & age waivers & 3 days before I leaving to basic traing! Can some one maybe explaine to me why & point me into a useful direction. Thanks