Hello 'jri_mechanical',
How to file a refund is almost one of the best kept secrets around. By now I suspect you have seen this link
outlining how to do it:
http://pages.ebay.ca/help/buy/item-not-received.html
Note near the bottom under Timelines where it says "You must open a case within 45 days of the end of the listing."
And they mean it, too.
If you paid with a credit card then the chargeback may be your only hope. If it is, get all the transaction details
together in front of you, and call the 1-800 number on the back of the card. Cards also have deadlines so do it now.
Otherwise, as this is a member-to-member message board for users just like yourself, no one here can help
you get your money back. It may be, as you say, a learning experience.
It will be no consolation to hear that almost everyone who buys on ebay has had the exact same experience as
you when they're new. We've all learned the hard way.
In future, if you don't have your item after 40 days, contact the seller. If no item and no money, open a claim
no later than day 43. You have a further 21 days to conclude it, so that gives 'slow poke' items time to arrive.
You can always repay a refund to the seller. Just don't be lulled with promises of replacements or refunds, -
or earnest sounding pleas to wait longer, - past that day 45. These are delaying tactics.
Get to know ebay's "money back" policy and never let this happen to you again.
Best wishes 
