I'm 16 and I can't cash my paychecks?

I am 16 and I worked in a fast food restaurant for about a month. I was laid off because the particular store I was working at closed down. I received three paychecks, one while still working there and two after they closed. The reason I didn't cash my first check was because I had to have I.D. to do it, which I didn't have until recently (I got my permit). I went to go cash all three after I got my permit, and I was told to come back because there wasn't enough money in the accounts to cash my checks. I was told to come back and check a week or so later. I came back and was told the same, and to talk to the employer. I talked to the assistant manager and the general manager, each telling me to talk to the next in command. I was forced to email the owner of the whole company, who hasn't emailed me back yet. I went back to check if there was any money in the accounts today, and I was told the accounts are completely closed. I have not made any money working there, and I don't want my money I worked for to go to waste. What should I do?