jools, ebay is becoming a complete and utter pain now.
I been using it since 2000
It used be good up until 18 months ago, now you get hassle after hassle.
best option is to put in 1 and only bid which is your utter max bid amount and add a bit ontop, and place your bid approx 3 mins before the end, I use this method and it has yet to let me down, can't say that it will be that cheap though.
cheers
Robin