how do I get a refund for item that worked only once ?

[katistrophik]

Please don't leave negative feedback as a complaint tool or your buying time on eBay will be very short

Read up on the why's and how's

https://www.ebay.com.au/help/buying

https://www.ebay.com.au/help/returns-refunds

[repentatleisure1952]

How do I count the ways?

Some details would go a long way to providing an accurate answer.

When did you purchase the item?

When did the item arrive?

What is the item?

Have you contacted the seller? (not by leaving negative feedback).

Is the item covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee?

How did you pay?

[daydreams_12]

I would encourage you to read the links that kat has supplied for you.

There are so many things to help you in your ebay experience but you need to do your bit.  Throwing out negs not necessarily the way to get help with a problem.

[kopenhagen5]

Firstly contact the seller to see if they will assist.

If not, you can open a case for INAD to get a refund.

You have 30 days from last estimated delivery date in eBay or 180 days in PayPal to open the case.