years ago i bought this.  Does this mean i should have a subscription to all the latest versions of Maya?

Windows 64 Ultimate, Max 9 to current, Quad Q6600, 8gig RAM, 1gig 4870 HD

Did you buy it from an authorized Autodesk VAR or 3rd party used from someone?  Have you paid your annual subscription fees? If you purchased through a VAR and you kept up your subscription payments, probably yes.  If you purchased through a VAR or directly from Autodesk, you will need to check with your local VAR where you purchased to see what your upgrade price will be.  If you purchased it used from a 3rd party you are probably SOL.

"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, Thats why it’s called the Present”
Kung Fu Panda

Maya 2012, PFMatchit, Nuke, Modo 501, CS5
Win 7 Pro 64bit
i7 x980 3.3Ghz, 24Gb Ram
Quadro FX3800 Driver 8.17.12.5896

i bought maya 6.5 unlimited years ago… I don’t know if it came with a subscription or not.  How would I know?

Windows 64 Ultimate, Max 9 to current, Quad Q6600, 8gig RAM, 1gig 4870 HD

Subscription is an annual maintenance which is paid to your VAR or directly to Autodesk.  If you have not been paying it then you obviously do not have it.  If you purchased it from a VAR or directly from Autodesk you may be eligible for some type of discounted price to upgrade to 2009 but I can’t say what that might be.  If you bought it from a VAR or from Autodesk, either of these should have record of your purchase.  It would help if you have your original Invoice.  Again, if you purchased it used or not from an authorized dealer you probably cannot get a discount.  Contact the VAR you purchased it from or Autodesk directly.

"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, Thats why it’s called the Present”
Kung Fu Panda

Maya 2012, PFMatchit, Nuke, Modo 501, CS5
Win 7 Pro 64bit
i7 x980 3.3Ghz, 24Gb Ram
Quadro FX3800 Driver 8.17.12.5896