Hi Billworldtraveller
Welcome to the Apple Community.
Re: I cannot get my old iTunes library copied into my new iPhone.
Thank you for posting your questions, and for including some good info.
Wondering where the older iTunes Library of songs is stored. now
(Eg on an older phone, on an iPad, on a Mac, on a PC,, or on external storage)
Also is iCloud an option for you ... eg to "sync" music from one computer / device to the iPad and iPhone.
(A possible drawback to using sync may be: deleting from one device deletes from everywhere that is in sync.)
NB: You can also sync between devices, (without using iCloud to keep everything in sync) using a cable..
__________________________________________________________
How do I get them to play on my apple devices?
You would be able to use the Music app, on iPhone and iPad, if the app has access the library of song files.
(NB: Seems you do not have to subscribe to use Apple Music app to play songs:)
Apple support has a few articles online that may or may not be of help:
Sync music from your Mac to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Or you can sync music from your PC to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
________________________________________________________________________________________
More info:
Sync content or transfer files between your iPhone and computer with the Finder or iTunes – Apple Support
Intro to transferring files between your iPhone and computer – Apple Support
Use multiple libraries in Music on Mac – Apple Support
ie: music library
The collection of music that can include items from Apple Music, your other devices, CDs, the iTunes Store or other services.
You can access your entire music library on all your devices when you’re signed in with the same Apple ID and connected to the internet.
.
All the best :-)