I think in your position I would ask for the item to be returned for full refund (including postage if the item is damaged). That is what paypal would be asking her to do should she commense an item not as described dispute.

She possibly is telling the truth, but possibly not too. You could ask for a photo - I have done that before and with a genuine buyer they will be happy to do so, it is easy and quick now that we can attach photos to ebay messages.

Good luck!